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BY THE SAME AUTHOR 
THE CRUISE OF THE CORMORANT 

Illustrated by photographs. $1.35 net. 

Two American boys undertake, with 
their uncle, to deliver his yacht to its 
new owner in the Barbadoes. The story 
includes yachting, hunting, fishing 
travel, adventure, and treasure seeking 
— six things dear to the hearts of boys. 

IN MORGAN’S WAKE 

Illustrated by photographs and line sketches. 
$1.35 net. 

Another cruise of the “Cormorant.” 
The two boys seek and find a wreck con- 
taining treasure. Their adventures take 
them to Cuba and South America. 

UNCLE ABNER’S LEGACY 

Illustrated by photographs. $1.35 net. 

How a city boy and girl made good on 
a farm. 

HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY 

PUBLISHERS NEW YORK 





















. 























































































Hermanas calling the fish 



JUNGLE CHUMS 


A Story of a Boy's Adventures 
in British Guiana 


BY 

A. HYATT VERRILL 

Hi 

Author ot “The Cruise of the Cormorant “In Morgan's Wake,” etc. 


ILLUSTRATED 



NEW YORK 

HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY 

1916 



Copyright, 1916, 

BY 

HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY 


Published August , 1916 



SEP -I 1916 


©CI.A437494 

Vl'-D f < 


TO 

THB BEST OP ALL CHUMS 

MY WIFE 



FOREWORD 


While this book is primarily a story of adventure 
for boys, yet it contains a vast amount of informa- 
tion in regard to British Guiana, its people, cus- 
toms, fauna and flora, resources and industries. 
Even prospective visitors to the colony may obtain 
an excellent idea of the character of the interior 
from its pages. 

The book was written in British Guiana ; much of 
it while traveling by boat or canoe upon the great 
rivers, other portions in Indian benabs among the 
aborigines and still other chapters while seated in a 
hammock in wilderness camps amid the very scenes 
and at the actual spots described in the story. 

Every effort has been made to eliminate inaccu- 
racies and impossibilities from the tale and in each 
and every essential feature the work is accurate and 
reliable. But it is manifestly impossible to cover 
every feature, every phase of such a vast country as 
Guiana in a single story of adventure without draw- 
ing on imagination to some extent. Hence it has 
been found necessary to introduce certain fictitious 
localities and conditions and to combine in one dis- 
trict resources and industries which actually occur 
v 


VI 


FOREWORD 


in widely separated places. Thus, so far as known, 
there is no lake between the Corantyne and Berbice 
Rivers as described; but vast areas in this district 
are unexplored and unknown and there is no valid 
reason why such a lake should not exist or why 
navigable waterways should not connect the un- 
known headwaters of the Berbice wdth the equally 
unknown upper Corantyne. So, too, the strange 
Bush Negroes of Surinam have never, as far as 
known, crossed far into British Guiana territory, 
either on peaceful or hostile missions and, as a mat- 
ter of fact, they are a most peaceable, harmless race 
despite the warlike and savage nature of their an- 
cestors. Ratura, too, is an imaginary place, — a 
situation created for the purpose of the story, and 
many products are represented as found there 
which are unknown to the Essequibo district. But 
nowhere does the fiction interfere with the facts or 
vice versa. Indeed, many of the most dramatic in- 
cidents and most thrilling situations are but slightly 
altered accounts of actual occurrences and those 
portions of the text which refer to the native In- 
dians, the ways and customs of the people and the 
various dialects are absolutely true to life. 

A. Hyatt Vebbill. 

Georgetown, Demerara. 

March 7, 1916. 


CONTENTS 



Foreword .... 






CHA.PTBB 





PA OB 

L 

Off to South America . 





3 

IL 

In Guiana’s Capital 






IIL 

A Surprising Reception 

• 

• 

•• 

• 

. 28 

IV. 

At Ratura .... 





. 40 

V. 

The Blow Gun 






VL 

In the Jungle 





. 69 

ra 

At the Timber Grant . 





. 91 

vm. 

The Conspiracy 





. 112 

IX. 

A Race Against Time . ♦ 






X. 

More Troubles . . # 






XI. 

Kidnaped 






XII. 

The Escape .... 





. 175 

XIII. 

Kenaima 






XIV. 

The Secret of Ratura . 





. 203 

XV. 

A Disappointing Discovery . 

• 

• 

• 

• 

. 227 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 


Hermanas calling the fish. (See page 89) . . Frontispiece ' 

PAGE 

Map of British Guiana 2 

Eric tried shooting the sun 4v 

Anchor was dropped in the harbor of Grenada .... 6 

Quaint St. Georges with its steep streets 6 

Many of the streets were in the form of stairways ... 10 

In one spot a tunnel had been drilled through a hill ... 10 

The giant bamboos along the country road ..... 12 

“It’s like the rigging of a ship,” exclaimed Eric ... 14 

The Maraval steamed through the Bocas 16 

The ship anchored off Port of Spain 16 

Marine Square, Port of Spain 18 

A trolley ride carried them to the Savanna .... 18 

They visited the wonderful Pitch Lake 22 

The waterfront of Georgetown, British Guiana .... 22 

A white-bearded Moslem priest invited him to enter ... 26 

The gigantic leaves and flowers of the Victoria Regia . . 30 

The hotel bore the legend, 1 ‘Boats and outfits for the gold 

and diamond fields” 36 

The boat swept swiftly up the river 42 

The milky juice of the rubber trees trickling into the latex cups 48 
He left the labor of tapping the trees to the Indian boy . . 58 

Raised the blow gun and placed one end to his lips ... 64 

Hermanas halted beneath a giant mora tree in the forest . . 72 
The water mirrored every object in a wonderful way . . .76 


LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 


Leading from the water’s edge was a primitive ladder . 

The neat thatched benabs of the Arekunas 

The women went on with their tasks oblivious to his presence 

Bade good-by to his Arekuna friends 

With a quick motion he drew the bow to his ear 

The timber road led through the forest with great trees on 

every hand 

He helped to gather the cacao pods 

He watched the men as they chopped the pods open . 

As the men shuffled and raked the cocoa beans in the drying 
trays . ...... - . . 

The car rumbled over scores of tiny ereeks 

Past the Victoria Law Courts 

The Colonial Bank in Georgetown, British Guiana 
A Bush Negro with kinky hair braided into pigtails . 

A broad smooth stretch of river lay ahead ..... 

Great areas of long grass appeared 

In one hand he grasped a bow and arrow, in the other a club 

of carved wood 

Stealthily as a jaguar the Kenaima crept with upraised club 


pa.q« 

80 

84 

88 

88 

90 

100 

112 

118 

122 

136 

136 

144 

162 

170 

170 

198 

226 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


VSA/EZ C/ZZ A 



Map of British Guiana 


JUNGLE CHUMS 

CHAPTER I 

OFF TO SOUTH AMERICA 

“I’ve just been down to see Frank off to Cuba,” 
announced Eric Marvin, as he entered bis father’s 
office one dreary December afternoon. “Whew! 
but it’s cold down on the waterfront,” he continued, 
as he threw off his overcoat. “Perhaps I didn’t 
wish I were going along too. Just think of wearing 
summer clothes and going swimming and fishing 
in the warm sunshine within a week.” 

“Well, I can’t blame you very much, I admit,” 
agreed his father. “How would you like a trip to 
the tropics for a Christmas present?” he asked. 

“Hurrah! Do you really mean it?” cried Eric, 
and without waiting for an answer exclaimed, 
“When are you going? How long will we be gone? 
Where will we go ? Do tell me all about it ? ” 

“One thing at a time, my boy,” said his father, 
3 


4 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


laughing. n Iam planning to go to British Guiana 
and shall try to get off next week. I have no idea 
how long we may be away, for Pm going on busi- 
ness. Mr. Perkins, the president of the Batura 
Land & Development Company, has asked me to go 
down and look over their property. They own large 
tracts of land in British Guiana and instead of pay- 
ing good dividends the property threatens to place 
the company in bankruptcy. The directors feel that 
there is something wrong, and as I am more or less 
interested and have had experience in the tropics 
they have selected me to go down and make an in- 
vestigation and if possible put the place on a paying 
basis.” 

“British Guiana, — why, that’s clear down ini 
South America!” exclaimed Eric. 

“Yes, the northeastern tip of the continent.” 

“That’s ever so much better than Cuba,” de- 
clared the elated boy. “There must be jungles and 
wild animals and savages and all sorts of exciting 
things there. Will I have a chance to do any hunt- 
ing?” 

“Undoubtedly,” replied his father. “The Ba- 
tura lands are a long distance from the coast and 
the settlements and, in fact, extend far into the vir- 
gin forest or ‘bush,’ as it’s called down there. A 



Eric tried shooting the sun 





OFF TO SOUTH AMERICA 


5 


very large river flows past the property, and if one 
followed up this stream it would lead one into the 
very heart of the vast South American wilderness. 
You’ll find plenty of hunting and fishing, but I can’t 
promise the savages. I expect the natives are pretty 
well civilized by now. However, there’ll be many 
things to interest you.” 

To Eric the forthcoming trip to South America 
was the event of his life, for he had never visited a 
foreign land, although much of his seventeen years 
had been spent out of doors, hunting, camping and 
tramping with his father in the woods and moun- 
tains of northern New England. But he had always 
longed to visit the tropics; to see the rank jungles 
and stupendous forests of which he had read, to 
navigate the great, mysterious rivers of the south- 
ern continent and to watch the strange and brilliant 
birds, and hunt the big game of South America. 
Now that his dream was about to be realized he 
devoted all his evenings to studying geographies 
and natural histories and to residing books on north- 
ern South America, while the days were fully oc- 
cupied in preparation for the journey. At last all 
was ready, and on a raw, gray day Eric and his 
father stood upon the deck of the Maraval and 
watched the towering buildings of Manhattan as 


6 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


they faded from view in the smoke and haze of the 
western sky. 

To Eric the voyage was full of interest and ex- 
citement, and the days passed rapidly. For hours 
at a time he watched the flying fishes which skittered 
across the waves like “toy hydroplanes / ’ as he ex- 
pressed it. He saw the broad patches of floating 
Sargassum which marked the edges of the fabulous 
Sargossa Sea; he chatted with the other passen- 
gers and learned much of the country to which he 
was going; he made friends with officers and crew 
and even tried his hand at “shooting the sun” un- 
der the guidance of the jovial skipper. 

On the fifth day the tiny barren island of Som- 
brero was passed, and the Maraval entered the 
Caribbean Sea, with low-lying St. Martin’s on the 
eastern horizon and the great isolated cones of 
Saba and St. Eustatius ahead. They were the first 
West Indian islands Eric had ever seen and he gazed 
at them with the most intense interest as the ship 
approached the mighty volcanoes rising abruptly 
from the sea. 

“They are both Dutch,” his father told him, and 
added, “You should not judge the tropics by the 
appearance of these two islands. They are small 





Anchor was dropped in the harbor of Grenada 



Quaint St. Georges with its steep streets 






OFF TO SOUTH AMERICA 


7 


and rather barren, but are wonderfully interesting, 
nevertheless.” 

“Pm glad you told me,” said Eric; “I was just 
going to say I didn’t think much of their beauty. 
What’s interesting about them?” 

“Their interests are very distinct,” replied Mr. 
Marvin. “St. Eustatius, or ‘Statia,’ as it’s usu- 
ally called, is famous as the first spot where the 
Stars and Stripes were saluted by the guns of a 
foreign power, while in Saba the people dwell in a 
crater and build boats a thousand feet above the 
sea.” 

“That’s the funniest thing I ever heard,” de- 
clared Eric, “but I don’t see anything that looks 
like houses.” 

“You’ll see a few peeping from the foliage in the 
center of the island when we’re a bit closer,” re- 
marked the captain, who had approached, “but the 
main settlement’s out of sight in a deep valley, — the 
old crater your father mentioned.” 

“I’d like to stop and see that place,” said Eric, 
who was watching the shore intently through his 
glasses. “How do the people ever get up to their 
town, and how do they get their boats to the sea?” 

“If you want to stop there you’ll have to go to 
St. Kitts and take a sloop,” replied the captain. 


8 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


“Steamers don’t ever touch at Saba. Place has no 
harbor and no anchorage, — just a bit of shingly 
beach. Folks get up to the village — which, by the 
way, is called ‘Bottom ’—by a flight of stone steps, 
eight hundred of them. But if you want to know 
all about the place go down and talk with the second 
mate, he’s a Saba man.” 

Eric lost no time in finding the second officer, and 
from him learned a great deal about the strange 
island where people dwell in a crater and whose 
men are nearly all sailors. 

Soon after Saba was left astern the ship passed 
along the leeward shore of St. Kitts, and Eric was 
loud in his expressions of admiration for the lofty, 
forest-clad mountains, the brilliant greens of the 
hillsides and valleys and the golden cane fields. 
Then Nevis, the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, 
and the spot where Lord Nelson was married, was 
passed, and only the faint, cloud-like outlines of dis- 
tant Montserrat and the filmy haze that marked 
Guadeloupe broke the blue rim of the sea. 

The next morning Eric came on deck to find the 
Maraval approaching the island of Grenada and 
an hour later anchor was dropped in the perfect 
crater harbor of St. Georges, with its toy-like red- 
roofed houses and encircling hills of richest green. 


OFF TO SOUTH AMERICA 


9 


After seven days of sea Eric and his father were 
glad indeed to stretch their legs on shore, and spent 
several hours strolling about the town and its neigh- 
borhood. The town was built on a steep hillside 
and many of the streets were carried up the slope 
in the form of stairways, while in one spot a tunnel 
had been drilled through the hill to form a highway. 
From the ancient forts above, the town a splendid 
view of the harbor and its surroundings was ob- 
tained and the stay ashore was completed by a 
drive into the country to the Gran Etang. 

To Eric everything was strange, wonderful and 
new. The groves of bronze-green cacao trees, with 
their odd red, yellow and purple pods hanging on 
the trunks and branches, attracted his attention, and 
his father had the coachman drive to the sheds where 
they watched the process of fermenting and drying 
the cacao beans. 

The lofty, feathery, giant bamboo trees along the 
country road fascinated the boy; the wealth and 
luxuriance of the tropical foliage seemed marvel- 
ous to his northern eyes, and the immense, stately 
royal palms were a constant delight. 

“I can hardly believe it’s still cold, wintry 
weather in New York,” Eric declared. “Why, only 
a week ago we were shivering in our overcoats, 


10 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


with slush up to our ankles in the streets, and here 
we Ye driving about in flannels with palms waving 
overhead and flowers in full bloom everywhere. It 
all seems like a dream.’ ’ 

His father laughed. “That’s the way it seemed to 
me the first time,” he said. “But after you’ve been 
here a while it will seem just as strange to go north 
and find no palms and the trees bare and leaf- 
less. ’ ’ 

They had now reached the Gran Etang, a beauti- 
ful, silvery lake nestling in the very heart of the 
forest-covered mountains, and lunch was taken at 
the rest house. Here, for the first time, Eric had a 
chance to see a real tropical forest, and, after the 
meal was over, a walk was taken into the woods. 

“My, but they’re wonderful,” exclaimed Eric, as 
he stopped and stared about at the enormous trunks 
soaring upwards for hundreds of feet. “Just see 
all the hanging vines and parasitic plants. It’s like 
a gigantic spider’s web or the rigging of a ship. I 
never dreamed trees could grow so huge. Why, 
not a single book I read gave any idea of what it’s 
really like. Are the South American forests as 
grand as these V 9 

Mr. Marvin smiled at his son’s enthusiasm. 
“These are nothing compared to the virgin ‘bush’ 




Many of the streets were in the form of^stairways In one spot a tunnel had been drilled through a hill 














































































. 




































































































OFF TO SOUTH AMERICA 


11 


of the continent,” he replied. “Some of the other 
islands have forests far thicker and trees larger 
than Grenada, but none of them can compare with 
the primeval forest of South America.” 

“If I read it in a book I wouldn’t believe it,” de- 
clared Eric, “but if you say it’s so, it must be; al- 
though I can’t imagine how it’s possible. Isn’t 
there any game here?” he asked presently. “I 
haven’t seen a living thing or heard a sound, ex- 
cept a few birds.” 

“There’s not much game on Grenada,” replied 
his father. “A few wild monkeys and armadillos, 
some semi-wild hogs and doves, pigeons and parrots 
are about all. But don’t expect to find wild animals 
abundant in the forests, even on the continent, Eric. 
The pictures in geographies are very misleading. 
One may sometimes walk for hours without seeing 
a living creature larger than a dove or a squirrel or 
an occasional monkey. Game may be very abun- 
dant, but the forests are so vast and so thick that 
one must know the haunts of the creatures and must 
hunt diligently to find the game.” 

A row upon the lake, which, Mr. Marvin ex- 
plained, occupied an ancient crater, completed the 
outing, and a few hours later the two travelers 
were again aboard ship and the green mountain 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


12 

slopes of Grenada were blue and hazy in the dis- 
tance. 

The next morning Eric found the deep blue water 
of the Caribbean had changed to dull, brownish- 
green, while directly ahead lofty mountains 
stretched as far as eye could see to east and west. 

4 ‘We’re in the water of the Orinoco,” said the 
captain, in reply to the boy’s question. “The mud 
it brings down colors the water for forty or fifty 
miles out to sea.” 

“Then that must be South America ahead,” ex- 
claimed Eric. 

“Sure as you live,” laughed the captain, “those 
mountains to the west are in Venezuela; those dead 
ahead are the islands between the ‘Bocas,’ and those 
to the east are on Trinidad.” 

Rapidly the ship approached the land and pres- 
ently Eric could distinguish the Bocas, — narrow 
waterways leading between wooded, mountainous 
islets, and seemingly scarce wide enough for the 
ship to pass through. Entering the nearest open- 
ing the Maraval steamed slowly ahead between the 
towering cliffs and wooded heights on either hand 
and a few moments later floated upon the tranquil 
waters of the Gulf of Paria. 

To the left Trinidad reared its green-clad moun- 



The giant bamboos along the country road 











OFF TO SOUTH AMERICA 


13 


tains to the clouds, while to the right the distant 
Sierras of the continent loomed above the horizon. 

“I should never know that was an island,” de- 
clared Eric, as he stood by his father’s side and 
watched the charming panorama of Trinidad’s 
mountains, valleys and sandy beaches. “It looks 
like the mainland,” he continued. “But on the 
map it seems a mighty small place.” 

“Maps are deceptive things,” replied Mr. Mar- 
vin. “Trinidad is a large island, and stretches for 
over fifty miles north and south. Moreover, it’s 
really a bit of the continent and is only separated 
from the mainland by the Bocas, through which we 
have just passed, and similar narrow channels at 
the southern end of the gulf. In geology, fauna and 
flora, it’s almost identical with South America.” 

The ship was now approaching the harbor of 
Port of Spain and in a few moments dropped an- 
chor a couple of miles off the pretty town. Port of 
Spain seemed quite a metropolis after Grenada, and 
Eric was greatly interested in the many vessels 
which filled the roadstead and lined the waterfront. 
When a little later he stepped ashore from the 
launch, which carried the passengers from the ship, 
he was still more surprised, for the streets were 
thronged with people ; trolley cars, automobiles and 


14 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


motor trucks were everywhere; splendid buildings 
and stores lined the thoroughfares, and every one 
seemed busy, industrious and prosperous. 

“Why, this is a real city,” exclaimed the boy, 
as he and his father passed under the splendid 
trees of Marine Square and entered Frederick 
Street. 

“One of the busiest and most prosperous ports 
in the West Indies,” said Mr. Marvin. “And one 
of the best built also,” he added. “See, there’s 
something will interest you, Eric.” He pointed to 
a little group of people across the street. 

“Why, they look just like pictures of India,” 
cried the boy. “Aren’t they picturesque and for- 
eign looking?” 

His father laughed. “No wonder they look like 
India,” he replied, “for they’re from India, — 
coolies, as they’re called here, — East Indians 
brought over as indentured laborers. You’ll see 
many of them here, but far more of them in George- 
town, over in British Guiana. ’ ’ 

Everywhere about the town Eric found much of 
interest. The bright-colored buildings, the smooth, 
wide, straight asphalt streets, the strange people of 
every shade and color, the beautiful parks and the 
magnificent public buildings all attracted him. 



It’s like the rigging of a ship,” exclaimed Eric 












































4 








I 






OFF TO SOUTH AMERICA 


15 


Then, when a short trolley ride carried them to 
the Savanna, the boy’s enthusiasm knew no bounds. 
The immense green-swarded park, surrounded by 
a splendid driveway and bordered by magnificent 
residences, the great Queen’s Park Hotel, and the 
palatial Government House all fascinated him, and 
he vowed it the most beautiful spot he had ever 
seen. 

The next day a trip was made to the wonderful 
Pitch Lake, from which the asphalt for the world’s 
highways is obtained; another excursion was made 
to the oil wells, and trips were taken to the superb 
cataracts and to the famous Blue Basin. 

The four days at Trinidad passed quickly, indeed, 
and, when the ship once more steamed northward 
across the gulf and passed again through the nar- 
row Bocas to the open sea, Eric felt that he had not 
seen half enough of the wonderful island they were 
leaving. 

Fourteen days after leaving New York he stood 
upon the forward deck and, filled with anticipation, 
gazed through his glasses at the low-lying coast, 
which bordered the great muddy river up which 
the ship was steaming. 

“It doesn’t look a bit like South America,” he 
remarked to a passenger who stood near; “I don’t 


16 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


see any forests or mountains ; it looks more like the 
Jersey coast than anything else.” 

The passenger, an A merican gold miner from 
Paramaribo, laughed. 4 ‘ Don’t you fret, son,” he 
said, “you ’ll find hush a-plenty, — just step out of 
the city and you’re in the hush. Of course, you can’t 
see it from here,- — coast’s all low and swampy, and, 
for nigh a hundred miles hack, land’s as flat as this 
deck. You’ll find Batura’s wild enough to suit you, 
I’ll wager, — right in the heart of the bush.” 

“Hurrah! Then I’ll have a chance to do some 
hunting,” exclaimed Eric. 

“Righto,” the miner assured him. “There’s 
game a-plenty. Only trouble is to find it. The hush 
here’s mighty thick, — have to chop a path wherever 
you go, — and game naturally lights out o’ the way 
when a chap makes a lot of racket. It’s not so hard 
to kill the birds and now and then an agouti or a 
deer, but if you want to shoot big game, like tapir, 
jaguar, peccaries and such things, you’ll have to 
get a Buckman or a Bushnigger hunter to go along 
with you.” 

“What in the world are Buckmen and Bushnig- 
gers?” asked Eric, puzzled. “It’s all Greek to 
me.” 

“I keep forgetting you’re a stranger and don’t 



The Mar aval steamed through the Bocas 



The ship anchored off Port of Spain 









































































































































































OFF TO SOUTH AMERICA 


17 


know Creole,” replied the other. “Buckmen are 
Indians, — native redskins, — and we call ’em Bucks 
or Buckmen so’s not to get ’em mixed with the 
chaps from India, — the coolies or Hindus, you 
know. We call the women or squaws, ‘Buckeens.’ 
Bushniggers are a queer lot, — sort of wild niggers 
that live in the hush, or leastways along the big 
rivers. They’re descended from runaway slaves 
and a heap wilder than the Bucks nowadays. Good- 
hearted chaps, though, even if they do run ’round 
naked and are a pack o’ heathens. You’ll meet up 
with plenty o’ Bucks, but you won’t run across any 
Bush niggers in Demerara, but over in Surinam, — 
Dutch Guiana, that is, — there’s heaps of ’em.” 

“Do the Indians, — the Bucks, I mean, — speak 
English?” asked Eric. 

“Well, I can’t say you’d call it King’s English,” 
laughed the other. “You’ll have a bit of trouble 
understanding their talky-talky at first, — sounds 
like dime novel ‘Injun’ talk, — but you’ll soon get 
used to it. The Bushniggers speak another sort o’ 
lingo altogether, — mixture of English, Dutch, Afri- 
can and French, — regular language o’ their own. 
But, look here, son, yonder’s the town. What do 
you think of it?” 

Eric had been so interested in talking with his 


18 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


new friend that he had not noticed that the ship was 
close to the docks. All he could see were great 
warehouses, a few roofs and towers above them, a 
palm tree here and there, and numerous steamers 
and sailing craft moored to the docks and wharves. 

“I don’t think much of its looks,” he admitted. 
‘ 1 But there seems to be a great deal of shipping for 
such a little place.” 

“ You can’t see any more of Georgetown from the 
water than you can of the bush,” the miner in- 
formed him. “City’s below sea level, — or, rather, 
river level, — and out of sight beyond the docks and 
warehouses. You’ll find it a right smart bit of a 
city as soon as you hop ashore, and right up to 
date. Trolley cars, railroads, automobiles and 
everything else.” 

“How do the people keep the water out if the 
city’s below the level of the river?” inquired Eric, 
as the big ship was being warped alongside the dock. 

“You’ll see canals in most of the streets and out 
in the country,” the miner answered. “Every time 
the tide runs out they open the sluice gates and 
drain the water off and before the tide turns they 
shut the gates up again and keep the water out. 
It’s just like Holland for that, — you see, it used to 
be Dutch, and I reckon the Dutchmen couldn’t feel a 



Marine Square, Port of Spain 



A trolley ride carried them to the Savanna 






. 










. 





























































OFF TO SOUTH AMERICA 


19 


mite at home unless they lived below sea level. 
Yonder’s the sea wall, — favorite place for prom- 
enadin’ in the evening, — band plays there, and all 
that sort of thing.” 

The steamer was now made fast to the wharf, the 
gangway was up and porters were busy carrying 
luggage ashore. Presently Mr. Marvin appeared, 
followed by a colored boy with the hand bags. 

■“I’ve just been learning all about the bush and 
‘Bucks’ and ‘Bushniggers,’ ” exclaimed Eric, as 
his father approached. “This gentleman’s been 
telling me about everything. Do let me introduce 
you to my father, Mr. ” 

“Teach,” supplied the miner, “Frank Teach. 
Glad to know you, Mr. Marvin. Hope you’ll have a 
fine time down here and find everything shipshape. 
If you happen to be over Surinam way, look me 
up, — every one there knows me. Pleased to be of 
any service to you when I can.” 

Thanking him for his offer, and assuring him 
that they would certainly look him up if they vis- 
ited Dutch Guiana, Mr. Marvin and Eric bade Mr. 
Teach good-by, and a moment later Eric set foot 
for the first time on South America. 


CHAPTER II 


IN GUIANA’S CAPITAL 

Me. Makvin had much to attend to before leaving 
for Ratura, and for several days Eric was left to 
himself while his father was busy with agents, so- 
licitors, merchants and others, and with papers and 
accounts. But time did not hang heavily on the 
hoy’s hands. He found Georgetown a fascinating 
city, with an interesting, motley population, and he 
never tired of watching the picturesque Hindus 
that swarmed everywhere and gave an Oriental touch 
to the cosmopolitan South American town. 

At one spot he found a mosque, with domes and 
minarets gleaming among the palms, and somewhat 
timidly entered the grounds. A venerable, white- 
bearded descendant of Mohammed greeted him and 
in broken English invited him to enter the dim in- 
terior of the Moslem church. Somewhere Eric had 
read that those entering a mosque must remove 
their shoes, and slipping off his, he followed the 
priest and was shown the Koran resting in its niche. 
20 


IN GUIANA’S CAPITAL 


21 


When he finally parted from his ancient Mohamme- 
dan friend he felt as if he had made a visit to India 
itself. 

Much time was profitably spent in the great Bo- 
tanic Station, for here Eric found every useful and 
ornamental tree and plant of the tropics, and by the 
aid of a courteous assistant learned a great deal 
about the cultivation and preparation of tropical 
products. He saw the laborers gathering cocoa, 
watched them opening the pods and extracting the 
beans, and was shown the great trays on which the 
cocoa was drying in the sun. He also learned to 
distinguish many of the hardwood, cabinet and dye- 
wood trees by sight, and he marveled at the gigan- 
tic leaves and flowers of the Victoria Regia lilies 
which filled the ditches and canals ; but of all things, 
that which interested him the most was obtaining 
rubber from the rubber trees. 

Finding him interested, his guide explained the 
entire process at length, and even allowed Eric to 
try his hand at tapping the trees and gathering the 
milky juice which was afterwards congealed to form 
rubber. 

‘ ‘ It’s just like gathering maple sap,” exclaimed 
the delighted boy. “I wonder if there are any rub- 
ber trees at Ratura.” 


22 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


1 ‘ 1 believe there are, ’ 9 replied the attendant. c 1 At 
least, a grove was started when the plantation was 
established, but I cannot say what success they have 
had . 9 9 

‘ 4 Well, if I owned an estate here, I’d go in for 
rubber,’ ’ Eric declared. It seems the easiest of 
crops to gather, and from what you say, there must 
be lots of money in it.” 

“It’s been far too greatly neglected,” replied the 
other. “A few planters have gone in for it and are 
reaping good profits, but I should advise every one 
who has suitable land to raise rubber trees. Of 
course, there is a great deal of care necessary, and 
it requires several years for the trees to attain suffi- 
cient growth to tap, but once they are producing 
they are a constant source of revenue. ’ ’ 

“I’m mighty glad I’ve learned about it,” said 
Eric. “If there are any trees on our place I’m 
going to ask father to let me look after them. Can 
you tell me of any other things which might bring 
good profits from the Ratura plantation? That is,” 
he continued, “things which bring quick returns. 
You see, the company’s been losing money, and fa- 
ther’s come down to try and put it on a paying 
basis, and I’m sure you can help us a great deal 
with your knowledge.” 


They visited the wonderful Pitch Lake 




The waterfront of Georgetown, British Guiana 












































■ 










































IN GUIANA’S CAPITAL 


“There’s no reason why Ratura should not he 
paying well,” replied the other. “I expect mis- 
management or dishonesty is at the bottom of your 
troubles. If your father wishes to turn the re- 
sources of the place into ready cash quickly I 
should advise getting out wood and timber. There ’s 
a large demand for crabwood, purpleheart, green- 
heart and other woods just now for rifle stocks, gun 
carriages and other purposes, and I have no doubt 
there is enough of such material on Ratura to pay 
off all indebtedness and leave a handsome profit in 
addition. Then, there’s rice. A few plantations 
here are doing very well with rice, but the demand is 
still greater than the supply, for our large East 
Indian population consumes a vast amount of the 
grain. If you wish, I’ll show you our experimental 
rice plot, and you may obtain some useful informa- 
tion regarding rice cultivation. But, of course, rice 
is quite out of the question at Ratura.” 

“That’s awfully kind of you,” declared Eric. 
“I’m anxious to help all I can, and all I learn will 
be of use. I’ll tell father all you’ve told me.” 

They were now approaching a swampy, lotus- 
filled lagoon, and suddenly some huge creature rose 
in the midst of the pond, uttered a tremendous bel- 
low, and disappeared with a great splash. 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


24 * 

“What in the world was that?” cried Eric, with 
an exclamation of surprise. 

“Only a manatee,” replied his friend. “There 
are many of them here.” 

“Do you mean they are really wild?” asked Eric. 

‘ ‘ Certainly they are, 7 ’ the man assured him. “We 
never disturb them ; hut we do kill off the crocodiles 
or alligators now and then.” 

“Do you have those here, too?” exclaimed Eric, 
in surprise. 

“Yes, plenty, and to spare.” 

“And look at those herons and egrets,” exclaimed 
the boy, as they came in sight of a pond near the 
path. “Why, you have a real zoological garden 
here.” 

“It’s better than a zoological park,” declared the 
attendant, “for all our specimens are wild, and are 
free to go and come as they please. There are par- 
rots in the trees, — see, there’s a flock now! Water 
fowl of many kinds live in the canals and ponds, 
and the shrubbery is full of birds, — even monkeys 
visit us occasionally. But it’s the same way all 
about Demerara; if you drive outside the city any- 
where you’ll see rare and beautiful birds along the 
roadsides and quite tame, for we protect them by 
strict laws here.” 


IN GUIANA’S CAPITAL 


25 


1 1 Well, if birds and animals are so abundant right 
here in the city, it must be a perfect paradise for 
them np at Batura,” said Eric. 

“Few places are richer in wild life,” declared the 
other, “but if you are interested in such matters 
you should visit our museum. You’ll find an excel- 
lent collection there.” 

“I certainly shall,” declared Eric. “I’ll spend a 
whole day there.” 

When at last he was compelled to leave the gar- 
dens, Eric had obtained a vast amount of useful 
knowledge, and felt that he could really be of use in 
helping his father on the plantation. 

Mr. Marvin listened with interest to his son’s ac- 
count of what he had seen and learned during the 
day. 

“I’m very glad to know you’ve been putting in 
your time that way,” he assured Eric. “I had in- 
tended visiting the station to obtain such informa- 
tion, but you’ve saved me the time and trouble, and 
we’ll be able to start for the plantation all the 
sooner. I expect to finish my business in town to- 
morrow, and we’ll leave the next morning. From 
what I have discovered already, I am convinced that 
downright dishonesty is at the bottom of our trou- 
bles. It’s a difficult matter to prove it, and if I dis- 


26 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


charge the present manager, it may be hard to 
secure another to take his place. Moreover, I’ve 
been warned that he’s a dangerous man, — utterly 
unprincipled, — and that if I make an enemy of him 
he’ll no doubt try to obtain revenge in some way. 
However, I’ve firmly made up my mind to discharge 
him as soon as I arrive at the plantation. For 
these reasons I’m anxious to reach Ratura as soon 
as possible, for, if Leggett hears we are coming, he 
may suspect my purpose and do some damage and 
leave before we arrive.” 

The next day Eric spent in the museum, and by 
studying the hundreds of specimens of birds and 
animals, learned far more of the denizens of Gui- 
ana’s forests than could ever have been acquired 
from books. 

“We’re off at daylight to-morrow,” his father 
announced that evening. 

“Thanks to your visit to the station, I’ve placed 
a large order for timber, but the finances were in 
such bad shape that I’ve been compelled to nego- 
tiate a large note to provide ample funds for im- 
mediate needs. It was somewhat difficult, for Ra- 
tura has earned a reputation as a losing proposi- 
tion, hut I found one man who still had faith in it, 
especially in view of the timber contract. He’s an 


r 






mm 












i-i 


A white-bearded Moslem priest invited him to enter 



























































































IN GUIANA’S CAPITAL 


27 


old Dutchman named Van Pelt, who lives in Para- 
maribo ; and I think I was most fortunate in finding 
him, for, in case returns for the timber are delayed, 
he is quite willing to extend the note.” 

“Well, I’m ever so glad I helped some,” de- 
clared Eric. “And I’m sure that with a little ex- 
perience I’ll be able to do a great deal about the 
place. But it’s too bad that you had to give the 
note.” 

“In a way, yes,” agreed his father, “but it en- 
abled me to pay off all the little claims, and it’s bet- 
ter to have one large creditor than a number of 
small ones, many of whom were clamoring for their 
money. At any rate, I’m quite sure Ratura has 
resources sufficient to place it on a paying basis if 
properly handled, hut we can tell better after we 
see the place. Now, off to bed, Eric, for you’ve a 
long day’s trip ahead of you to-morrow.” 

Little did father or son dream of the dangers or 
adventures which were in store for them or of the 
important part the Dutchman’s note would play in 
their lives. 


CHAPTER III 


A SURPRISING RECEPTION 

Eric had studied every available source of infor- 
mation regarding British Guiana, but nothing he 
had read conveyed a true idea of the country. He 
knew that on the maps were countless rivers bearing 
strange Indian names, but not until he sailed across 
the mouths of the rivers on his way to Ratura did 
he realize what mighty streams they were. As 
Georgetown became a mere blurr of haze astern, 
and nothing could be seen but the vast waste of 
muddy waters with the low line of gray-green shores 
upon the horizon, he could scarce believe he was not 
upon the ocean. 

“I’d never dream this was a river,’ ’ he remarked. 
“It must be miles and miles from shore to shore.” 

“It’s nearly thirty-five miles wide here,” replied 
his father, * * and the shores are so low that they ap- 
pear even more distant than they are in reality. 
The Demerara and Essequibo Rivers join to form 
this estuary, — a sort of overflowed delta, so to 
28 


A SURPRISING RECEPTION 


29 


speak, but they are both very large and are naviga- 
ble for many miles. In fact, ocean-going steamships 
and great sailing vessels go up the Demerara River 
for over sixty miles to load greenheart timber.’ , 

Soon the distant shores became more distinct, 
and in a few hours the steamer entered the Esse- 
quibo and headed upstream. 

Eric was delighted with all he saw, and, while the 
opposite shores were still dim in the distance, he 
had splendid views of the great forest-clad islands 
in the river, and the densely wooded nearer bank. 

“ That’s Dauntless Island yonder,” said the cap- 
tain, pointing to a large island, several miles in 
length, and rich with greenery, “perhaps you’d be 
interested to know it’s built on a wreck.” 

“That certainly sounds wonderful,” declared 
Eric, “but I don’t see how any island can be built 
on a wreck. Do tell me about it.” 

“It does sound a bit queer,” admitted the cap- 
tain, “but it’s really very simple. You see, the 
river here is full of mud and sand, — that’s what 
makes it so brown, — and just as soon as anything 
stops the current the sand has a chance to settle 
down and form a bar. About forty years ago a 
schooner named the Dauntless was wrecked over 
yonder, and pretty soon the sand commenced piling 


so 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


up about her and formed a bar pointing upstream. 
Then mangrove seeds lodged on the bar and took 
root and they made more of an obstruction and 
caused more sand to pile up. Then the mucka-muck- 
as — those big lily-like plants you see along the shore 
here — began to sprout up, and, protected by these 
and the mangroves, the island commenced to grow, 
until to-day there’s a good-sized piece of dry land 
and big trees, all due to a little coasting schooner 
getting wrecked.” 

“I think that’s simply marvelous,” declared 
Eric. “Were all these islands formed in the same 
way?” 

“I can’t say about that,” laughed the captain, 
“but I expect they all began in a small way and 
were started by something or another getting lodged 
in the stream. As you go farther up you’ll see 
plenty of good-sized bars caused by timbers or 
branches of trees.” 

The boat was now running close to the shore, and 
Eric turned his attention to the herons, egrets and 
strange water fowl which rose flapping from their 
retreats in the shallow water. Presently he caught 
sight of a patch of brilliant red upon a black, muddy 
bank which greatly puzzled him. He was about to 
ask the captain in regard to it when suddenly the 



The gigantic leaves and flowers of the Victoria Regia 









































































































































































































A SURPRISING RECEPTION 


31 


brilliant color sprang into life and rose in air, — a 
marvelous cloud of scarlet which glowed against 
the dark green background of the mangroves like a 
mass of living flame. At the sight Eric uttered an 
involuntary shout of wonder and admiration, for he 
realized he was gazing at a huge flock of the rare 
and beautiful Scarlet Ibis. 

At his exclamation the captain turned and glanced 
shoreward. 

* ‘ Oh, it ’s the Curri-curries , 9 9 he remarked. ( 1 They 
do look pretty, don’t they?” 

“Why, you don’t seem a bit surprised,” cried 
Eric. “I never expected to see such a wonderful 
sight.” 

“Surprised?” exclaimed the captain, in a puz- 
zled tone. “What’s surprising about them? They’re 
always about, up and down the rivers, nobody pays 
any attention to Curri-curries.” 

Presently the vessel slowed down and drew along- 
side a tiny dock or “stelling,” and Eric watched 
with interest the motley crowd of Hindus and ne- 
groes, who crowded the wharf; some waiting to 
board the steamer, others gathered to see their 
friends off, and others vending fruits, vegetables 
and caged birds. 

Back from the dock were the broad, green fields 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


82 

of an immense sugar estate, and the great black 
chimneys of the mill reared themselves far above the 
surrounding trees. Eric was surprised to find docks, 
settlements and sugar mills here, for he imagined 
that civilization had been left behind, and that all 
about was wilderness. He had not yet learned that 
everywhere in British Guiana civilization borders 
on the vast untamed wilds of South America. 

By midday, however, the last signs of cultivation 
had been left far behind. The wooded shores, with 
their interminable mangroves, stretched for mile 
after mile on either hand, and between them flowed 
the great turbid river, dotted with islands and for- 
saken save by occasional dug-out canoes loaded with 
cordwood and manned by stalwart, half-naked col- 
ored men. 

Now and again tiny thatched huts were seen amid 
the jungle, or dead brown brush, and partly cleared 
spaces indicated where wood-cutters were at work. 
At one spot, too, the steamer ran close to the shores 
of a great, forested island where a number of build- 
ings and a neat church stood in the center of cleared 
and cultivated lands. Nearer at hand an ancient, 
crumbling ruin stood close to shore, and the captain 
told Eric this was an old Dutch fort, that at one time 
the Dutch had many towns and settlements far up 


A SURPRISING RECEPTION 


33 


the rivers, and that the island was known as Fort 
Island. 

Eric thought it would he great fun to go ashore 
and poke around among the ruins, and as a little 
dock projected from the shores he hoped the steamer 
would stop, but it kept steadily on, and soon the 
island and the fort were hidden behind other islands 
astern. 

For hour after hour the boat continued, swing- 
ing around bend after bend, threading a zigzag 
course between sand bars and islands, and ever 
with nothing save river, sky and endless jungle in 
sight. But, while the scenery was monotonous, and 
there was little of interest to be seen, time did not 
hang heavily on Eric’s hands, and he plied the cap- 
tain and his fellow passengers with questions, and 
learned much of interest and many things which 
later proved of the greatest value. He discovered 
that the tide rose and fell for nearly one hundred 
miles up the rivers ; that navigation ceased at Bar- 
tica because of rapids farther upstream; that the 
Mazaruni and Cuyuni joined close above the town, 
and that the great penal settlement of the colony 
was just across the Mazaruni from Bartica. He was 
filled with interest at the stories of the gold diggings 
and diamond fields of the upper rivers, and listened 


34 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


to many a yarn of fortunes lost and won, and lie 
gained an excellent idea of the life of the interior, 
the dangers of navigating the falls and rapids, the 
resources of the country and the products of the 
“bush.” 

Then the little settlements of Itaka, Dalli and 
Wolga were passed, with their granite quarries 
above the riverside, and Bartica was sighted far 
ahead, and just before sundown the steamer ran 
alongside the dock of this little town at the edge of 
the wilderness. It was a mere village, — a few score 
little wooden buildings straggling along grassy 
lanes, — but it was typically a frontier settlement, 
and everywhere were evidences that it was the 
jumping-off place of civilization. Before it flowed 
the great rivers leading into the heart of the conti- 
nent, behind it stretched the forest, and on its streets 
silent, bronze-skinned Indians, negroes and colored 
men, Portuguese and a few Hindus mingled freely. 
Close to the dock was a great, open, shed-like struc- 
ture, within which scores of prospectors and gold 
diggers swung their hammocks and cooked their 
meals, while waiting for boats to carry them up the 
rivers to the “diggings,” and the front of the hotel 
bore the legend, “Boats, outfits and tacklings for 
the Balata, Gold and Diamond Fields.” 


A SURPRISING RECEPTION 


85 


Early the next morning Erie and his father 
hoarded the heavy river boat which Mr. Marvin 
had engaged, and, impeded by the powerful strokes 
of eight paddlers, the craft swept swiftly np the 
river towards Ratnra. 

The sun was still low ,n the east, a mist hung over 
the river, parrots winged screaming overhead, great 
macaws screeched and toucans clattered from the 
tree tops, and from the depths of the forest issued 
countless songs, notes and cries of awakening life. 
The boat skirted close to the river hank, and Eric 
longed to step ashore and enter the rank green jun- 
gle, with its dark, mysterious shadows and giant 
trees. But he was forced to content himself with 
gazing at the hush from the passing boat, and with 
watching the strange birds and great sky-blue but- 
terflies, that flitted here and there along the forests 
edge. 

At last a cleared space appeared ahead, the roof 
of a good-sized building was seen peeping from the 
greenery, and the boat was run alongside a tiny 
wooden dock at the foot of a shaded road. No one 
was in sight, and, while the boatmen busied them- 
selves unloading the baggage, Mr. Marvin and Eric 
hurried up the pathway towards the bungalow. 

As they came within sight of the house a white 


30 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


man, clad in dirty pajamas, approached. He was 
small, wiry, shifty-eyed and weasel-faced, and Eric 
took an instinctive dislike to him even before he 
spoke. 

“Good morning,’ ’ said Ir. Marvin pleasantly. 
“Yon are Mr. Leggett, I presume.’ ’ 

“Morning,” grunted the other. “You guessed 
right; I’m Leggett. What do you want?” 

“My name is Marvin, — this is my son, Eric, — and 
I’ve come down in the interests of the company, to 
look about and see if the place can’t be made to 
pay.” 

Leggett’s lip curled in a scornful snarl. “Huh! 
Come down to spy on me, eh. Well, you’re welcome 
to see all you can. I ain’t got anything to hide, but 
you needn’t run away with the idea that this place’ll 
pay — ’tain’t in it. I reckon I know my business, I 
do; and no bloomin’ green hand can show me any- 
thing. Might as well chuck up the place and sell 
out while the sellin’s good ’s my advice.” 

“Oh, I don’t know about that,” said Mr. Mar- 
vin, as they turned towards the house. “I don’t 
question your knowledge, Mr. Leggett, but there 
may be unnecessary expenditures that can be re- 
duced, or resources which have not been developed. 





The hotel bore the legend, “Boats and outfits for the gold and diamond fields 






A SURPRISING RECEPTION 


37 


I should like, first of all, to go over your books with 
you.” 

At these words, Leggett stopped in his tracks, 
swung about and cried angrily, “So that ’s your 
game, is it? Come snoopin’ around tryin’ to make 
me the goat, eh! Well, mister, 1 don’t keep books, 
I don’t. I’m too old a hand to have anything ’round 
for smart Alecks like you to juggle about to prove 
I’m to blame. S’pose you think I been doin’ your 
bloody company?” 

Mr. Marvin flushed at the insulting words and 
manner of the man, but he spoke quietly and calmly. 
“I regret that you take this attitude,” he said. “I 
had hoped to avoid any unpleasantness, but, under 
the circumstances, I might as well tell you that I 
intend to discharge you. I don’t think you’ve been 
‘doing’ the company, — I know it.” 

“ You do, do you ? ’ ’ sneered the manager. ‘ ‘ Goin ’ 
to fire me, are you? Well, I reckon you don’t know 
who you’re a-talkin’ to. You’ve got another guess 
cornin’, mister. When Tom Leggett’s fired, he fires 
himself. Now, you get to blazes out o’ here, and get 
quick, while the gettin’s good. I don’t let any one 
call me a crook more ’an once, you bet your life.” 

As he spoke he whipped out a revolver and leveled 
it at Mr. Marvin. For a brief instant Eric and his 


38 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


father hesitated, dumbfounded at Leggett’s violent 
outburst and threatening attitude. But there was 
nothing to he done save obey the fellow’s com- 
mands, for the boatmen were beyond call, and for 
all they knew the manager was a madman. 

1 ‘Very well,” said Mr. Marvin, after the tense 
pause. “You have the upper hand at present, I 
admit. But rest assured I shall soon return, and 
the police will be with me. I had no idea of prose- 
cuting you before; but you’ve shown yourself un- 
worthy of any consideration, — you’re too dangerous 
to be at large.” 

“Cornin’ back with police, are you?” screamed 
Leggett, in a frenzy. “Come on ; I’ll know you nex’ 
time I see you. I’ll mark that smug face of yours 
all right, — take that, you dirty sneak!” 

As he spoke, he sprang forward and snatching 
up a heavy stick raised it to strike. But the blow 
never fell; ere Mr. Marvin could dodge, ere Eric 
could spring forward, a lithe brown body shot 
downward from the foliage of the mango tree over- 
head and, landing full on Leggett’s head and shoul- 
ders, bore him crashing to the earth. The revolver 
flew from the manager’s hand and exploded harm- 
lessly as it struck the road, and with the breath 
completely knocked out of his body by the unex- 


A SURPRISING RECEPTION 


39 


pected onslaught, Leggett lay panting and half -con- 
scious upon the ground, while over him stood a 
half-naked, bronze- skinned youth with a keen ma- 
chete held threateningly at the other’s throat. 

“S’pose makeum move, me chop you plenty,” 
laconically remarked this new arrival on the scene, 
and the prostrate bully, all the fight gone from him, 
took the hint and remained motionless. 


CHAPTER IV 


AT RATURA 

At this moment the boatmen appeared, and a 
couple of black women and two or three Hindus 
came hurrying from the nearby house, attracted 
by the loud words of Leggett and the revolver shot. 

“Wa, la!” exclaimed the boat captain, as he 
caught sight of the little group in the roadway. 
“Wha* dat randan ’bout, Marster Marvin? Wha’ 
dis fellah try do fo’ you? Hi, yo’ Hermanas, yo’ 
stan’ from he now, we-all take care he don’ reap up 
no mo\” 

In a few words Mr. Marvin explained what had 
taken place, and how the youth, addressed as Her- 
manas, had dropped from the tree in the nick of 
time. Meanwhile, the young Indian, — for such he 
proved to be, — stood at one side; but maintaining 
a keen watch on Leggett, who, surrounded by the 
stalwart blacks and unarmed, showed no disposition 
to attempt escape or resistance, but stood glower- 
ing, scowling and scarlet with suppressed rage, in 
the center of the little crowd which had collected. 


40 


AT RATURA 


41 


“Dis man a mos’ obstropolous buckra,” declared 
the captain, when he had heard Mr. Marvin’s ac- 
count. 1 1 I mighty glad dis Buck boy drap he down, 
an’ I ’spec he right glad o’ de chance to gi’e he a 
good clout. Wha’ yo’ wish fo’ to do with he, mars- 
ter? I’se a cons ’able, sah, and I ’spec I bes’ com- 
prehend he as a auspicious parson, an’ take he to 
de police at Bartica, sah.” 

“Yes,” replied Mr. Marvin, repressing a smile 
at the boatman’s queer jargon, “he’s too dangerous 
to remain at large. I had not intended to prosecute 
him for his dishonesty ; but after this attempted as- 
sault, I shall do my best to have him placed behind 
bars. Take him along to Bartica, captain, and turn 
him over to the police. I’ll appear against him with 
my son and Hermanas as witnesses whenever the 
case is called.” 

Turning to his boat’s crew, the captain ordered 
them to tie Leggett securely, and addressing the dis- 
comfited manager, remarked, “Yo’ meet yo’ meta 
to-day fo’ surely, mon. Now, don’ yo’ go for tryin’ 
any contendin’, ’cause I gwine to fend fo’ myself, 
an’ yo’ go to makin’ flusteration I bet I mash you’ 
head, yes.” 

With this parting injunction, the captain ordered 
Leggett to the boat, and with no choice left but to 


42 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


obey, the rascal started forward and then, turning 
towards Mr. Marvin with an oath, he shouted: 

“You think you’ve got me, do you? Just wait 
and see. I’ll make you pay for this, you sneakin’ 
white-livered cur. I’ll make you wish you’d never 
seen Batura. I’ll ” 

His threat was interrupted by a huge, black hand 
grasping his shoulder and shoving him forcibly for- 
ward, and with a stalwart negro on either side he 
marched sullenly off and out of sight. 

“Thank goodness, we’re well rid of him,” ex- 
claimed Mr. Marvin. Then addressing the boat cap- 
tain he continued, 1 ‘ Come up to the house, Glascow, 
and get Leggett’s things. We have no right to hold 
his belongings, and you can turn them over to the 
police at Bartica.” 

In the meantime, Eric had thanked the Indian boy 
for his timely intervention, and had already taken 
a great liking to the quiet, pleasant-faced aborigine, 
who, still shy in the presence of the white boy and 
his father, replied to Eric’s questions in monosylla- 
bles. 

Having disposed of Leggett and the others, Mr. 
Marvin now approached Hermanas and extended his 
hand. “I must thank you for saving me from Leg- 
gett’s blow,” he said. “I shall be glad to have a 



The boat swept swiftly up the river 































































I 





















































« 

















































AT BATURA 


43 


talk with you at the house, and I’ve an idea that you 
can he of great service to my son here. He’s fond 
of hunting, and is hoping to get out in the bush. 
I think you’ll make a splendid companion for him. 
How would that suit you, Hermanas?” 

“Me likeum too much,” replied the Indian, with a 
grin. “Me make catchum deer, powis, labba, plenty 
game when walkum topside bush.” 

“Hurrah! That will be fine,” cried Eric. “You’ll 
be ‘ guide, philosopher and friend,’ as the saying is, 
and I’ll bet we’ll be great chums. But I’ll have to 
learn that funny talk of yours. I wonder if I can 
get the hang of it, — let’s see. — Why, you hideum in 
tree?” Eric laughed joyously at his first attempt 
to speak the “talky-talky,” and his father chuckled 
at his enthusiasm, but the Indian boy took the mat- 
ter quite seriously. 

“You makeum talky-talky all same Buckman,” 
he declared. “Me in tree for catchum mango for 
cook. When seeum Legett makeum loud talk me 
hideum. Leggett no good, — plenty bad man. When 
seeum make for shoot, — make for mash with stick, 
must makeum do something. No gotum bown- 
arrow, no gotum gun, me jump like so; knockum 
down same way. Now must catchum mango one 
time.” 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


44 

“Very well, Hermanas,” said Mr. Marvin. “Go 
ahead and get the mangos for the cook and then 
come to the house.’ ’ 

With the agility of a monkey the Indian scrambled 
into the tree to resume his interrupted fruit-gather- 
ing, while Mr. Marvin and Eric walked on and en- 
tered the bungalow. 

Under Mr. Marvin’s direction, the servant gath- 
ered Leggett’s belongings together and delivered 
them to the captain, and then, this matter attended 
to, Eric and his father partook of the very welcome 
breakfast served by the old black cook, who seemed 
highly pleased at her change of masters. 

Before breakfast was over Hermanas appeared 
and, seating himself in the doorway, waited silently 
for Mr. Marvin to finish his meal. Although he 
spoke only the queer jargon peculiar to the “buck- 
men,” or Indians of Guiana, yet Hermanas under- 
stood English perfectly and, much to Mr. Marvin’s 
surprise, declared he could read and write. He was 
a bright, intelligent boy of about Eric’s age, and 
was wonderfully respectful and courteous in his 
manner. He told Mr. Marvin that his real name 
was Herman Thomas, which had been contracted 
to Hermanas ; that he was an Arekuna Indian ; that 
his home was “One hour walk topside creek” j that 


AT RATURA 


45 


his father was a woodcutter, hunter and balata rub- 
ber gatherer, and had been employed by Leggett 
when timber was required, or when the rubber trees 
were to be tapped, and that he, Hermanas, had done 
odd jobs about the place in return for his food and 
a few shillings a week. 

His eyes brightened wonderfully when Mr. Mar- 
vin promised him regular wages to become Eric’s 
companion and guide, but he absolutely refused to 
live at the bungalow or to sleep indoors. When the 
matter of clothing was mentioned he somewhat 
sheepishly admitted that he preferred the ragged 
pair of cotton trousers that formed his entire cos- 
tume to any other garments, and that, were it not 
for the missionaries’ orders, he would wear nothing 
but a loin cloth or “lap.” 

“S’pose wearum pants, wearum shirt in bush, 
getum wet. In bush no can catchum dry. No good 
like so, make Buckman sick, makeum fever. S’pose 
skin catchum wet dryum same way; no makeum 
sick.” 

Mr. Marvin and Eric laughed at the youth’s con- 
cise explanation. 

“Very well, Hermanas,” said Mr. Marvin, “I 
expect you’re quite right. Wet clothing certainly 
is unhealthy. If you prefer to go about with only a 


46 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


‘lap,’ as you call it, by all means do so. We shall 
not object, and as long as you look after this boy of 
mine, teach him about the bush, and keep him from 
getting lost, bitten by snakes or running risks, I 
shall be satisfied. Have you a gun or a boat ! ’ ’ 

“No got gun, gotum bownarrow, go turn blowgun, 
go turn wood-skin.” 

“What on earth is a ‘woodskin’ and a ‘ blow- 
gun’?” asked Eric. 

“A blowgun is a hollow cane through which the In- 
dians blow darts with which they kill birds and ani- 
mals,” replied his father, “and a woodskin is a 
frail, crude boat or canoe made by stripping a piece 
of bark from a tree, and fastening the ends to- 
gether. No doubt you ’ll have an opportunity of 
seeing your young Indian friend use them both.” 

“Yes, sir, me showum how shoot blowgun, how 
paddle woodskin all same Buckman,” declared Her- 
manas. 

“Does your father know anything about selecting 
timber, — how to tell good crabwood, greenheart and 
other woods?” asked Mr. Marvin. Hermanas as- 
sured him that he did, that his father was an experi- 
enced lumberman, and that he could get “Plenty 
timber too easy,” if Mr. Marvin desired it. 

“In that case,” said Mr. Marvin, “I shall be glad 


AT RATURA 


47 


to employ your father. I have an order for a large 
amount of timber to he furnished as soon as possi- 
ble. Can you have your father come to see me and 
talk matters over?” 

“Yes, sir. Me bringum same day. Must makeum 
walk this side,” replied the Indian. 

“Very well, bring your father over, then. We 
have our hands full to-day, looking over the place, 
so Eric will not need you. Get your breakfast be- 
fore you start.” 

The Indian boy hurried off towards the kitchen 
and, calling one of the Hindu laborers to accom- 
pany them, Mr. Marvin and Eric started forth to 
inspect Ratura. 

They found the place much neglected, and the few 
negro and Hindu field hands doing little else than 
loaf, although as soon as they saw Mr. Marvin ap- 
proaching they seized their tools and commenced to 
work diligently. 

“See here, my man,” said Mr. Marvin, address- 
ing a huge black, who appeared to be a sort of fore- 
man of the gang among the cacao trees, “you can’t 
fool me that way. We might just as well have an 
understanding at once. Leggett’s ‘gone for good 
and all, and I’ve taken charge of the estate. I’m 
willing to pay good wages ; but I want returns, and 


48 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


I expect work when I pay for it. It looks to me as 
if Leggett had been pretty easy-going and hadn’t 
given much attention to his laborers. Is this the 
way you’ve been working right along?” 

The black man grinned, fumbled the ragged hat 
he held in his hands, and after a moment’s hesita- 
tion, replied: “I spec’ Mister Leggett don’ min’ if 
we works or no, marster. He spen’ mos’ o’ his time 
a-settin’ inside a-drinkin’ swizzles, or a-strollin’ off 
in de bush wif he gun. Now an’ ag’in he take a 
look in at we all an’ calls we a gang o’ lazy niggers 
an’ mebbe gi’es we a clout wif he stick. But, Lor’! 
we don’ pay no ’tention to such flusteration, an’ he 
allers pay us we money come Sat ’day. Looks laik 
to me he don’t care what we doin’, long’s he a-pay- 
in’ o’ other folks’ money.” 

“I expect you’re right,” said Mr. Marvin, “the 
estate has been losing money right along, and Leg- 
gett’s been pocketing the little profit there was. I 
presume he’s padded his payroll and only kept 
enough laborers to make a showing if any one 
turned up to see what was going on. But that’s 
over with now. If you men want to work and work 
well, I’ll keep you on, but any one who shirks will go 
at once. I’ve come here to make Batura pay, and 
I intend to make it do so, if it’s possible. You’re 



The milky juice of the rubber trees trickling into the latex cups 




































































AT RATURA 


49 


foreman of this gang, I suppose. Now get busy, and 
let me see how much you can really do in a day. ’ * 

“Yes, boss, I’ll see dis gang wuks right lively, 
sail.” 

As Mr. Marvin and Eric turned away the men 
were working industriously, evidently striving to 
see how good an impression they could make, upon 
their new employer. 

Wherever the two went it was the same ; the men 
evidently killing time ; weeds and undergrowth over- 
running the cultivation, and the crops neglected and 
the trees uncared for. 

The limes lay rotting on the ground, the coffee 
bushes were covered with vines and choked with 
parasites, the cacao trees were green with moss and 
hundreds of ripe pods were still ungathered, while 
the rubber groves resembled miniature jungles, 
rather than cultivated land. 

“I cannot understand Leggett’s behavior,” re- 
marked Mr. Marvin, as they started to retrace their 
way towards the house. “If he was downright dis- 
honest, as he seems to have been, I should have ex- 
pected that he would have cultivated the place thor- 
oughly and made a greater profit by his thievery. 
Instead of that, he has let the place go to ruin. It 
looks almost as if he was deliberately trying to 


50 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


make it worthless. I wonder if he is not really mad, 
— well, whatever the reason, the company is really 
to blame for not sending some one to look after the 
property sooner.’ ’ 

“ It looks perfectly hopeless,” declared Eric, “ I 
don’t see how you are ever going to get the place 
into good shape again. Why, it will take years just 
to cut out the brush and weeds, it seems to me. ’ ’ 

“It’s not as bad as all that,” replied his father. 
“The first thing is to hire a large number of efficient 
laborers, and make them understand that they must 
earn their money. There are crops enough on the 
place to pay for the labor for the present, and I 
hope to commence getting out the timber at once 
with Hermanas’ father’s help. If he’s like his son, 
he’ll be a real find. By the way, from what you 
learned about rubber, do you think you could man- 
age to tap some of our trees and gather the latex? 
Hermanas can help you, and I’ll furnish some la- 
borers in addition. The trees have been tapped 
already, so they must be bearing, and rubber will 
bring quick returns.” 

“I’m quite sure I can,” Eric replied. “I’ll start 
at that to-morrow.” 

When they reached the house, after visiting the 
greater part of the cultivated lands, they found 


AT RATURA 


51 


Hermanas and his father waiting for them. The 
boy’s father was a small, broad-faced Indian, with 
the same qniet, respectful manner of his son, and 
which, Eric found later, was characteristic of all 
the native Indians. He listened attentively; ex- 
pressed his willingness to work at timber cutting, 
and assured Mr. Marvin there was enough timber 
on the estate to fill the contracts easily and quickly. 
He was very intelligent, and Mr. Marvin was sur- 
prised at the manner in which he grasped the details 
of the contract, and could calculate cubic and square 
feet from the figures given. He preferred to work 
on contract rather than for daily wages, and de- 
clared that he could obtain plenty of his tribesmen 
to aid him in the lumbering operations. He stated 
that it would be necessary to cut a “road” and 
place sticks across it in order to haul the timber 
out of the forest, and added, that if Mr. Marvin 
would lend him cattle he could work much more rap- 
idly. 

“Why, I didn’t know we had any cattle,” ex- 
claimed Eric; “I only saw a few cows on the 
place. ’ ’ 

“Gotum plenty cow, plenty ox,” replied the In- 
dian. “Two, free, hund’ed.” 

“Well, where are they?” demanded Mr. Marvin. 


52 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


“Two or three hundred head of cattle can’t be hid- 
den very easily . 9 9 

The Indian then explained that the cattle were 
on the “savanna,” at some distance from the culti- 
vated lands, and that they practically ran wild, and 
were seldom used, — save when fresh beef was re- 
quired or timber hauling was to be done. 

‘ ‘ V ery well , 9 9 said Mr. Marvin. “Use what cattle 
you require. I must leave the entire matter in your 
hands for the present. I have much to attend to 
here, but shall try to get into the forest within a 
few days, to see what’s being done, and what our 
resources are.” 

There was much to be done, and until late after- 
noon Mr. Marvin and Eric were busily engaged, 
making an inventory of supplies, tools and other 
articles on the place, making lists of various ob- 
jects required, and readjusting and reorganizing 
the corps of servants, the laborers and the other 
employees. 

Hermanas proved very useful, and it soon became 
evident that he was a youth with a vast amount of 
hard common sense and good judgment, and was a 
born “handy man,” and best of all he was very 
thorough and painstaking in all he undertook. 

He had been so long at the beck and call of all 


AT RATURA 


53 


the Hindu and negro men on the estate, that the lat- 
ter at first resented taking orders from him; but 
instead of lording it over them and taking undue 
advantage of his new position, Hermanas repeated 
Mr. Marvin’s orders respectfully, and did not hesi- 
tate to lend a hand to help wherever required. 

Much to Mr. Marvin’s satisfaction, the men and 
women seemed anxious to please, and fell to with a 
will at clearing up and putting the place in order 
and, ere nightfall, a great deal had been accom- 
plished, and the house was habitable. 

“How any white man could live under such con- 
ditions and could deliberately see the place going 
to pieces under his eyes is incomprehensible,” re- 
marked Mr. Marvin. “But, thank goodness, we ar- 
rived in time to save the place, and I am confident 
we shall succeed. It will require all our resources, 
however. The more I investigate, the more I real- 
ize what an out-and-out crook Leggett is. Why, he 
must simply have pocketed thousands of dollars in- 
tended for the estate, and the worst of it is, I can’t 
find a scrap of paper to prove his rascality. He was 
certainly a clever knave, and I’m thankful he’s be- 
hind bars by now. He’d be a dangerous enemy to 
have at large.” 


CHAPTER V 


THE BLOW GUN 

The next morning, as Eric and his father were 
seated at breakfast, discussing plans for the day, 
they were interrupted by hurrying footsteps in the 
gallery and the next instant the boat captain, Glas- 
cow, appeared. 

“What in the world are you doing here?” Mr. 
Marvin demanded, and added, “I thought you were 
in Bartica by now.” 

“Eh, eh!” exclaimed the negro. “I’s had noos 
me brung, master. Wha’ yo’ Fink; dat obstrepo- 
lous Leggett he mek he escape, sah!” 

“Leggett escaped!” cried Mr. Marvin. “How 
did that happen? Do you mean to say the rascal 
got away from your eight men?” 

“Yassir,” replied the captain. “Lis’en, good 
marster; listen de story how de Fing happen, an’ 
yo’ don’ vex wit me, sir.” 

“It dis a-way,” he continued, “we haf he tie in 
de corial* all 0. K., an’ we go ashore for mek break- 

* Corial — A dug-out boat used on Guiana rivers. 


54 


THE BLOW GUN 


55 


fas’. Bimeby I ax de bowman fo’ go to de boat an’ 
take be breakfas’. Jes so be reach fo’ han’ de 
breakfas’ — bam! — come paddle on be haid. He bus’ 
out wid big cry an’ we-all hear he bawl, an’ run 
down e’ga’ an’ we jes’ time see dat man swim ’cross 
de creek an’ dis’pear in de bush topside. I ent 
know meself bukkum be fin’ way fo’ come loose o’ 
de rope. Seems like be jes’ stratcb out like ca- 
mudi * an’ squeeze tru. ’Tall Vents, be gone clean 
’way, an’ we sarch an’ we sarcb, but no can cotcb 
he to save weself. De bush plenty thick in dat part, 
marster, an’ it too easy fo’ man to hide beself. 
Bimeby we mek up we min’ ’tain’ no mo’ use sarch- 
in’ de bush, an’ I t’ink bes’ fo’ retu’n an’ ’quaint 
yo’ wid de fac’s o’ de case, sah.” 

“Well, there’s no use crying over spilt milk,” 
remarked Mr. Marvin, as Glascow finished his tale 
of the prisoner’s escape. “I suppose he’ll be caught 
sooner or later. Without food or arms he cannot 
live in the bush, and must come out at some settle- 
ment. If you report the matter to the police at 
Bartica they’ll be on the watch throughout the col- 
ony. ’ ’ 

“Beggin’ yo’ pardon, sah,” said the captain, “I 
’spec’ dat Leggett man no gwine fo’ to walk in to 

* Camudi — Boa constrictor or anaconda. 


56 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


be cotched, sab. When I tek de t’ing in consid’a- 
tion, I fin’ out de cunnin’ess o’ de scamp. W’en yo’ 
t’ink be in, he out; be clean out. He plenty fr’ens 
’mong de Bovianders,* sab, an’ I ’spec’ be gwine 
rangin’ ’bout ’mong be fr’en’s, an’ plottin’ an’ com- 
plottin’ ’gainst you-all. Yassir, dat what be boun’ 
for do, sab.” 

‘‘In that case, we must be on the watch,” said 
Mr. Marvin. “He may attempt to carry out bis 
threats of revenge, although personally I think he’s 
too much of a coward to do so. However, I’ll tell 
all the men to keep a sharp lookout, for it would not 
be beyond him to attempt to burn the place or de- 
stroy property. You should have kept a man con- 
stantly on watch over him; but hindsight is always 
easier than foresight, and there’s nothing to be done 
now. However, as long as you are here, I will send 
a message to Georgetown, asking my agent to se- 
cure some additional laborers.” 

With the letter tucked safely in his deerskin 
pouch, and with many protestations of regret and 
humility at allowing Leggett to escape, Glascow de- 
parted, while Eric, accompanied by Hermanas and 
with a Hindu carrying latex cups, started for the 

* Boviander — Colored people who live in the bush along the rivers, — • 
a corruption of ** Above Yonder’ ’ ( ’Bov-Yander). 


THE BLOW GUN 


57 


rubber groves, and Mr. Marvin set forth to direct 
the gathering of the ripe cacao pods. 

Eric had learned quite a little in regard to tap- 
ping rubber trees during the time spent with the 
experts in the botanic station, and Hermanas had 
helped his father on many a Balata bleeding trip. 
Thus, the two boys working together, succeeded 
very well, for one possessed scientific knowledge 
and little experience, while the other had practical 
experience, but little scientific knowledge. 

There were comparatively few large trees on the 
estate, but there were many which were old enough 
to tap, and Eric was immensely pleased as he went 
from tree to tree and saw the thick, milky juice, or 
latex, trickling into the cups placed below the 
V-shaped incisions in the smooth gray trunks. 

His friend in Georgetown had cautioned him in 
regard to the care necessary to avoid injuring the 
trees, and had explained how the sap was produced 
between the inner and outer barks, and Eric took 
every precaution to prevent cutting through the in- 
ner bark. Hermanas showed great dexterity in us- 
ing the odd hatchet-like tapping tool, with its dou- 
ble cutting-edge ; but the work was new to Eric, and 
he soon found that practice was essential, and that 
more could be accomplished by leaving this labor to 


58 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


the Indian and the negro and Hindu workmen, while 
he directed operations and saw to removing and 
emptying the cups as they became filled with latex. 

Although Eric was most impatient to get into the 
bush and hunt, yet he realized that for the present, 
at least, pleasure must give way to business, and he 
labored diligently until mid-afternoon. 

The rubber grove stretched away to the very edge 
of the forest, and Eric’s eyes often strayed long- 
ingly to the cool, green jungle so close at hand. 
Parrots were constantly winging their noisy flight 
from tree to tree ; the hoarse cries of macaws could 
be heard from the tree tops, and once or twice Eric 
caught sight of these great scarlet birds flying la- 
boriously from one part of the forest to another, 
their long, pointed tails trailing behind. Again and 
again, Eric interrupted his work to watch these den- 
izens of the bush, or to gaze with intense interest at 
the strange, huge-billed toucans that barked and 
clattered in the foliage, for he was still new to his 
surroundings, and it seemed marvelous and almost 
unnatural to see parrots, toucans, macaws and other 
strange birds flying about at liberty. 

Once, as the party skirted the edge of the bush, 
there was a roar of wings and a flock of large dark- 
colored birds sprang from the ferns and whirred 



He left the labor of tapping the trees to the Indian boy 










































































THE BLOW GUN 


59 


into the forest like a covey of gigantic partridges. 

“Marudis,” exclaimed Harmanas. 

Eric remembered that in the museum at George- 
town he had seen some handsome pheasant-like 
birds with that name and which the attendant 
told him were among the finest of Guiana game 
birds. 

“Oh, I do wish I’d brought my gun along,” he 
cried, as he gazed after the Marudis, “I might have 
got one of those chaps easily.” 

“S’pose go turn blowgun mebbe catchum,” re- 
marked Hermanas and, without waiting for a reply, 
he darted off towards the house. 

Presently he returned, carrying a long, slender 
tube of cane and a tiny cylindrical box of woven 
palm bark. 

Eric watched the Indian with interest, as he 
opened the cartridge-like receptacle, and drew forth 
a tiny, pointed stick with a tuft of yellowish-brown, 
woolly material wrapped about one end. This he 
slipped into the hollow cane and beckoning to Eric 
to follow, he started into the forest. 

“I don’t see how you’re going to kill a Marudi 
with that thing,” remarked Eric, and then, remem- 
bering his determination to acquire talky-talky, 
asked, “How go for catchum Marudi like so?” 


60 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


Hermanas grinned: “Me tellum killum Marudi 
same way. S’pose watchum, you see.” 

As soon as they reached the edge of the bush, 
Hermanas cautioned Eric to make no noise and, 
with eyes searching every dim mass of vines and 
each tree trunk, he crept stealthily forward. For a 
short distance they proceeded, and then Hermanas 
dropped on his knees, and pointed to a trailing liana 
a score of yards distant. Looking in the direction 
indicated, Eric saw two handsome birds, about the 
size of fowls, where they perched upon the vine, — 
turning their heads suspiciously from side to side, 
and peering about as if aware of danger. . 

Cautiously, Hermanas raised the cane tube, placed 
one end to his lips, pointed it toward the Marudis, 
and gave a sudden puff of breath. There was no 
sound, but swift as light the tiny dart sped from the 
blowgun and true as a bullet struck the nearest 
Marudi in its breast. The creature gave a little 
flutter of surprise, hopped to a neighboring vine, 
and plucked at the spot where the dart had struck. 
His companion crouched and raised its wings as if 
to take flight; but in an instant the Indian had 
slipped another dart into his weapon, and before 
the Marudis realized what had happened the second 
arrow sped through the air and found its mark. 


THE BLOW GUN 


61 


Instantly the Mamdi took wing, but the one first 
struck flapped its pinions once or twice, swayed on 
the vine and, losing its foothold, came tumbling to 
the ground. 

“ Hurrah ” commenced Eric, but his exclama- 
tion was cut short by a gesture from Hermanas and, 
obeying the Indian’s whispered word, Eric listened 
intently. A minute passed in silence and then, from 
a short distance to the right, some object fell with a 
heavy thud from the tree tops to the ground. Her- 
manas rose and hurried to the first Marudi, which 
was lying stone dead where it fell. 

“Of all wonderful things!” exclaimed Eric, “I 
never would have thought that tiny arrow could kill 
a bird like that.” 

Stooping, Hermanas picked up the little pointed 
stick from where it had fallen to the ground within 
a few inches of the stricken Marudi. 

“Let me see it, Hermanas,” said Eric. He 
reached out his hand to take the dart. 

“No touchum,” exclaimed Hermanas, holding the 
little object out of reach. “S’pose touchum mebbe 
catch die all same Marudi. He go turn Wurali.” 

“Wurali?” Eric repeated questioningly, “what’s 
that, and why might I die if I touched it?” 

“Wurali all same poison,” replied the Indian. 


62 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


“Much bad. S’pose prickum makeum dead like so; 
likeum same way Marudi. Wurali how makeum 
blowgun kill. Wurali make killum all thing — killum 
bird, killum tiger, killum man. ,, 

1 ‘ Whew ! ’ ’ exclaimed E ric, “I understand. Y ou 
use poisoned arrows. Gee! but that Wurali must 
be some poison.” 

Slipping the poisoned dart into his case, Her- 
manas picked up the dead Marudi and led the way 
through the forest for a few yards. For a moment, 
he peered intently about and then, stepping over a 
fallen tree, reached down and secured the second 
bird, which the terrible poisoned arrow from his 
blowgun had killed. 

Eric had been thinking and now he asked, adopt- 
ing the Indian’s jargon: “S’pose killum Marudi 
with poison, how you eatum and no die f ’ ’ 

“No poison for eatum,” replied Hermanus. 
“Poison for getum in blood, no for getum in 
mouth. ’ 7 

“Well, it’s all beyond me,” declared Eric, “I’ll 
have to ask father to explain ; but, come along, Her- 
manas, we’re neglecting the rubber.” As the two 
boys reached the edge of the woods the Indian 
stopped and examined several deep marks upon a 
patch of soft, bare earth, and then explained to Eric 


THE BLOW GUN 63 

that they were deer tracks, which had been made 
very recently. 

Hermanas, who was a born hunter, was anxious 
to trail the deer, but Eric insisted that no more time 
could be spent in hunting, much as he would enjoy 
it, and Hermanas, without a word of protest, con- 
tinued on his way to the rubber grove and, hanging 
the Marudis on a bush, resumed his interrupted 
work. 

When the day’s work at last was done, a large 
portion of the hearing trees had been tapped, and 
Eric was highly elated at the amount of latex he had 
collected. 

Mr. Marvin was also greatly pleased at his son’s 
success, and complimented him upon the result of 
his first day’s work. “I think I’ll leave rubber cul- 
tivation to you, Eric,” he remarked. “I don’t know 
anything about it, and will have all I can attend to 
with the cacao, coffee and fruit; in fact, I must get 
a good overseer to help me as soon as the new hands 
arrive. I’ll have to look after the business end of 
the estate and the timber, too, — that is, unless you 
think you and Hermanas can do as well at lumber- 
ing as at rubber gathering.” 

i 6 I’ll do my best,” declared Eric, and added, “of 
course, I don’t know much about rubber yet, — if I 


64 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


hadn’t picked up what I did at Georgetown I 
wouldn’t he able to do anything, — but Hermanas 
knows a lot, and between us, I’m sure we can look 
after the rubber, and will have time to help with the 
timber, too. Hermanas knows all the trees and he’s 
worked with his father at the timber grants up at 
Wismar. I’m sure he can teach me a great deal 
about it very soon.” 

‘ ‘ Well, we’ll leave that for later on,” declared 
Mr. Marvin. “I think you two hoys have earned a 
day off. I know you are wild to get into the jungle 
with your gun, even if you haven’t mentioned it. 
A little game will he welcome for the table, so you 
can take to-morrow for your first hunt, Eric. ’ ’ 

“Well, it really won’t he my first hunt,” said 
Eric. “Hermanas and I stole a few minutes from 
work to-day, and do you know, he killed two big birds 
he called Marudis with his blowgun. It was the 
most wonderful thing I’ve ever seen. The birds 
hardly fluttered, and died almost instantly. He says 
his darts were poisoned with something he calls 
Wurali and that it will kill anything if it gets in 
the blood; but isn’t poisonous to eat. Can you tell 
me anything about it?” 

“It’s one of the most virulent poisons in the 



Raised the blow gun and placed one end to his lips 






































THE BLOW GUN 


65 


world/ ’ replied Mr. Marvin. “The merest scratch 
with a weapon dipped in Wnrali will kill any living 
creature in a few moments and apparently without 
pain. It is used by many Indians of Central and 
South America, and is called Hurali, Wurali, Wu- 
rari, Curare, and various other names by the dif- 
ferent tribes. No one seems to know its exact com- 
position, for it’s prepared by certain experts among 
the Indians, and they surround its manufacture 
with much secrecy, and a great deal of mummery 
and hocus-pocus. The principal ingredients are va- 
rious poisonous vines belonging to the strychnine 
family, but ant- and snake-poison, gums and various 
other things are added; many of them probably 
merely to conceal its true nature and to impress 
the other Indians. Strangely enough, it is not pois- 
onous when taken internally unless one has a 
scratch or some other raw spot in the mouth or 
throat.” 

“Isn’t there any antidote for it?” asked Eric. “I 
should think the Indians would constantly get killed 
by accident when using it.” 

“Yes,” replied his father. “The Indians use 
cane juice and common salt to counteract the ef- 
fects of Wurali. Many of them secure live birds 
and animals by shooting them with blowgun darts 


66 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


and then, before the creatures die, administering 
cane juice and salt. I don’t think I’d care to trust 
to the remedy and scratch myself with a poisoned 
arrow, however. I hope you ’ll be extremely careful, 
and that Hermanas will use every precaution when 
handling the arrows.” 

“That’s mighty interesting,” declared Eric, “but 
it really gives me the shivers to think of the stuff. 
I guess I’ll let Hermanas leave his blowgun behind 
when we go hunting.” 

Hermanas was as greatly pleased as Eric at the 
prospect of a hunting trip the next day, and as- 
sured the white boy that if they started for the bush 
before dawn they certainly would secure game of 
some sort. 

“What kind of game you think we’ll find?” asked 
Eric. 

“Mebbe catchum deer, mebbe powis, mebbe lab- 
ba, mebbe waterhaas, mebbe acouri, mebbe bush- 
cow.” 

Eric laughed. “ You ’ve a fine lot to choose from, ’ ’ 
he declared. “I don’t know what half those are. 
Wait a minute till I get the list of names I made at 
the museum and I’ll see what sort of beasts we’re 
likely to find. ’ ’ 

With the notes in hand he asked Hermanas to 


THE BLOW GUN 


67 


repeat the native names, and checking them off, 
found that Powis were the great Crested-cur as- 
sows; Labba was another name for the big Guinea 
pig-like creature, otherwise known as the Paca; 
that Acouri was synonymous with Agouti, and that 
Water Haas and Bushcow were, respectively, Capy- 
bara and Tapir. 

“You no think mebbe we shoot jaguar V 9 asked 
Eric, whose ambition was to kill one of the great, 
spotted cats. 

Hermanas looked puzzled, and shook his head. 
“No sabby jag’ar,” he replied. 

“They call them 4 tigers’ down here,” remarked 
Mr. Marvin, who sat nearby, in the gallery. 

Hermanas’ face brightened. “Sabby tiger,” he 
announced. “Me tellum must makeum far walk 
topside, want shootum tiger. No catchum this 
side.” 

“Well, I’m going to take a walk ‘topside’ some 
day,” declared Eric, as he rose to go to bed. “I 
mean to kill a jaguar and ever so many times I hear 
that place ‘topside’ when I ask about various things. 
‘Topside’ must be a wonderful spot.” 

His father burst out laughing. “ ‘Topside’ is no 
place in particular,” he explained. “It means up 
river; far away; a long distance, — to find ‘topside’ 


68 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


would be like seeking the end of a rainbow — no mat- 
ter how far you go ‘ topside’ is ever beyond/ ’ 

‘ ‘ Well, I’m going to catchum sleep topside bed,” 
laughed Eric, as he bade his father good night. 


CHAPTER VI 


IN THE JUNGLE 

It was still dark when Eric was aroused by Her- 
manas, and waiting only for a cup of steaming cof- 
fee, the two boys started for the bush. 

Although the sun had not risen the eastern sky 
was tinged with pale saffron and pink, the light, 
fleecy clouds were edged with gold and above the 
river hung a thick white fog. Trees, land and for- 
est were bathed in a soft, gray, mysterious light; 
every twig, leaf and blade of grass was dripping 
with moisture, and on every hand were the myriad 
sounds of awakening tropical life. 

In the open clearings and cultivated lands it was 
quite light, but when the two boys reached the edge 
of the forest and entered the bush they were in al- 
most total darkness. Here and there a gleam of 
faint light showed upon a tree trunk, far above their 
heads the interlaced branches glowed green in the 
rays of the invisible sun; but where they stood all 
69 


70 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


was black with deepest shadows and even the near- 
est objects were indistinguishable. 

But Hermanas seemed possessed of owl-like vision 
and moved briskly forward, turning and twisting 
along some narrow path, now and then slashing at 
trailing vines or obtrusive branches with his ma- 
chete, and ever penetrating deeper and deeper into 
the gloomy recesses of the jungle. 

All was silent save for the sharp trill of tree 
frogs or the faint twitter of birds in the tree-tops, 
but presently the sun rose above the sand hills to 
the east; cool, soft twilight took the place of dark- 
ness in the forest and instantly the bush burst into 
life. 

From every side the Wallaba-birds whipped 
out their ringing cries of “Whip-whee-weu-oo !” 
parroquets chattered, parrots screamed, macaws 
shrieked, toucans barked and hawks screeched from 
the trees. From hidden thickets the wonderful sil- 
very notes of the Bell-birds rang, and great, red, 
howling monkeys aroused the echoes with their fiend- 
ish cries. 

Presently Hermanas stopped, listened intently 
and then uttered a low clear call. From a short dis- 
tance ahead came an answering cry, and, with a 
gesture for caution, the Indian crept stealthily for- 


IN THE JUNGLE 


71 


ward, repeating the call at intervals, with Eric fol- 
lowing close at his heels. Naked, save for his scarlet 
loin-cloth or “lap ” Hermanas slipped silently as a 
shadow among the vines, trees and undergrowth. 
Eric found it difficult indeed to keep pace with him 
without breaking twigs beneath his heavy hoots or 
catching his khaki clothing on the thorns and razor- 
grass that beset him at every step. 

At last Hermanas halted beneath a giant Mora 
tree, whose huge buttress-like roots spread for a 
dozen yards in every direction, and whose enormous 
brown trunk was half hidden by great clumps of 
orchids, vines and air plants. Crouching in the shel- 
ter of the great slabs of living wood the Indian 
pointed upward to the tangled mass of greenery a 
hundred feet above and whispered : 

“Powis! You shootum!” 

Eric peered intently at the indicated spot, but 
could see nothing aside from the dark green foliage, 
the gleaming scarlet orchid flowers and the drooping 
vines. Then from the far-off branches a broken 
golden fruit dropped down and Eric saw a large 
dark object moving among the leaves. 

Raising his gun he fired, and at the report pan- 
demonium broke forth in the tree-tops; hoarse, 
frightened cries and screams of scores of birds, the 


72 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


shrill, terror-stricken chatter of monkeys, and the 
roar of great beating wings. But Eric scarcely no- 
ticed these, for with a terrific crash two great, black 
birds came tumbling downward and fell almost at 
the boys’ feet. 

They were splendid creatures almost as large as 
turkeys, shining iridescent black in color, and with 
handsome, curled crests above their bright, orange- 
yellow beaks. They were Crested-curassows, and 
Eric felt immensely proud as he examined the fine 
birds — the result of his first shot. 

Cutting a piece of liana, or i ‘bush rope,” Her- 
manas tied the two birds together, hung them out 
of reach of prowling animals, and once more led the 
way into the depths of the forest. 

For some time there was no sight nor sound of 
game, and then as he scrambled over a fallen tree 
Eric uttered a startled cry, for he had landed almost 
on top of a great, shaggy, black creature as large 
as a bear. 

He was so surprised at the unexpected meeting 
that he tumbled backwards into the thicket, while 
the strange beast — more startled than the boy — 
reared itself on its hind legs, pawed the air with 
its enormous front claws, and then wheeling about, 
scrambled off as fast as its unwieldy gait could 



Hermanas halted beneath a giant mora tree in the forest 












































































. 
















































































IN THE JUNGLE 


73 


carry it. It was such a remarkable looking beast 
and Eric had come upon it so unexpectedly that he 
quite forgot to shoot, but sat staring with amaze- 
ment. With a huge, bushy tail spread like an um- 
brella above its back, its coarse, shaggy coat, and 
stout legs ending in enormous hooked talons, and 
with a broad black and white stripe across its shoul- 
ders the animal was most formidable in appearance. 
But as Eric caught sight of the tiny head, ending 
in a long, slender, beak-like snout, he realized that 
it was only a giant ant-eater, and, picking himself 
up, he joined heartily in his companion’s laughter at 
his momentary fright. 

An hour’s tramp revealed no other game, and 
Eric was commencing to think that game was not 
as abundant in the jungle as he had imagined, when 
Hermanas stopped and turning whispered: 

“Me tellum shootum labba same day.” 

Pointing to the soft earth he showed Eric a num- 
ber of footprints and some freshly gnawed roots. 

Then, crouching low, and with a signal for Eric 
to do the same, he crept slowly forward towards 
the bank of a small creek. Ever and anon he stopped, 
listened attentively and again moved onward, inch 
at a time. At first Eric could hear nothing save 
the steady dripping of moisture from the leaves, 


74 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


the sharp, incisive notes of the ever-present Wallaba 
birds and the chirp of frogs and insects. 

Then, as he crouched in the shelter of a thicket 
close to the creek’s edge, his ears caught a low grat- 
ing noise and occasional subdued grunts. At a ges- 
ture from Hermanas he crawled forward and peered 
cautiously through an opening of the thicket. 

Before him lay the creek, its dark brown water 
mirroring the forest that rose above it on every 
side, and at the foot of the bank, a few yards from 
where he was hidden, were two strange animals 
gnawing at fruits which had fallen from a tree 
above. 

They were about the size of half-grown pigs ; red- 
dish brown in color and handsomely striped and 
spotted with pure white. Eric raised his gun with 
the utmost caution; but, slight as the movement 
was, one of the labbas ceased eating, sniffed sus- 
piciously and darted among the roots of the trees. 
The other was a second too late, and at the report 
of the gun rolled over dead. 

Hermanas soon bound the legs of the labba with 
bush ropes, and shouldering the carcass, prepared 
to continue on the hunt; but Eric had no wish to 
kill more game than he could use, and told the In- 
dian to return to the estate. 


IN THE JUNGLE 


75 


“Mebbe like seeum my house !” suggested Her- 
manas. 

“I certainly would,” declared Eric. “Is it near 
here ! ’ ’ 

“Not too far,” replied the Indian. “Takeum 
walk in woodskin for seeum.” 

Eric laughed. “That’s the funniest thing you’ve 
said yet, Hermanas,” he exclaimed. “I’ll certainly 
enjoy ‘taking a walk’ in a canoe.” Hermanas 
grinned, but said nothing, and, turning to the right, 
hurried forward, following the bank of the creek. 
They had walked, perhaps half a mile, when they 
came upon a well marked trail, and following this 
the boys soon reached a little sheltered cove in the 
bank of the stream. 

Here, tied to an overhanging tree, was the queer- 
est craft Eric had ever seen. It was merely a shell 
of bark, barely twelve feet in length and less than 
eighteen inches in width, and it rested so lightly 
and one-sidedly upon the water, that Eric could not 
believe it would be possible for any human being 
to enter it without capsizing. 

“Is that your woodskin!” he asked his companion. 

Hermanas, who was searching for something in a 
clump of ferns, nodded affirmatively. 

“Well, I’ll bet if we get into that thing we’ll swim 


76 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


instead of walk,” declared Eric. “It’s the crank- 
iest-looking canoe I’ve ever seen.” 

Hermanas had now secured the paddle for which 
he had been searching, and, hanging the labba in the 
shade, he led the way down the muddy bank, drew 
his primitive boat to shore, and holding it steady, 
invited Eric to enter. 

“I guess it’s all right if you say so,” Eric re- 
marked, as with great care he stepped into the craft 
and squatted down at the bow in the spot indicated 
by the Indian. Eric’s weight brought the frail craft 
very low in the water, and he fully expected it to 
sink and fill or to capsize when Hermanas stepped 
nonchalantly into the stern. Nothing happened, 
however, and while the tiny canoe rocked slightly, 
as Hermanas seated himself, his weight seemed to 
affect its buoyancy but little. Eric drew a breath 
of relief, for he had confidently expected a ducking, 
and when the Indian drove his paddle into the water 
and the woodskin shot forward into the open creek 
he was pleasurably surprised to find the craft fully 
as steady as the birch canoes to which he was ac- 
customed. 

All about were innumerable things to interest him 
and Eric soon forgot all else in admiration of the 
strange beauties of his surroundings. Vine-draped 



The water mirrored every object in a wonderful way 



































IN THE JUNGLE 


77 


trees and graceful palms rose in an impenetrable 
wall of greenery on either bank; arches of tangled 
lianas and spreading branches met above the water ; 
mangroves spread their sprawling roots in the shal- 
lows, and the gigantic lily-like arums or “mucka- 
muckas” reared their thick green stalks and huge, 
arrow-shaped leaves along the banks. Strange air 
plants and brilliant orchids bedecked the limbs and 
trunks of trees and festooned the vines, and great 
dazzling blue butterflies flitted in and out of the 
shadows, their caerulean wings reflected in marvel- 
ous manner upon the dark surface of the stream. 
Dark, reddish-brown in color, smooth as glass and 
with a strange, oily appearance, the water mirrored 
every object in a wonderful way. It was as if the 
canoe were floating in mid-air suspended between 
two forests — the one right side up, the other re- 
versed — and Eric could scarce distinguish where 
water ended and land began. Here and there fallen 
trees or “tacubas” barred the way, and with con- 
summate skill Hermanas dodged between the 
branches or followed tiny leads into the jungle and 
around the obstructions, and passed through spots 
where countless water lilies covered the water as 
with a carpet ablaze with yellow, pink and purple 
blooms. 


78 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


At other places the great knotted ropes of vines 
hung above the waterway and the two hoys crouched 
low as their little craft darted beneath the aerial 
bridges. As they passed under these the In- 
dian cautioned Eric not to touch the mass of vegeta- 
tion or to allow it to scrape across his back, and 
explained that many of the vines and trees were 
armed with strong, recurved spines which would in- 
flict terrible wounds or tear garments to ribbons. 

It was very silent on the creek, but there was 
plenty of life to be seen by one with keen eyes and a 
love of nature. Stately white egrets flapped re- 
luctantly from their fishing spots in tiny coves ; blue 
and green kingfishers — some large as pigeons, others 
scarcely larger than humming birds — flashed from 
perches into the water at sight of passing fish or in- 
sect; doves and pigeons cooed softly from the foliage 
along the banks ; quaint, bright-hued mannakins flit- 
ted among the bushes ; gaudy cotingas hopped about 
’mid vines and air plants ; great white-headed hawks 
and broad- winged vultures wheeled majestically 
overhead; curious soft, gray, fin-foot birds, purple 
gallinules, and dainty golden-winged jacanas ran 
nimbly across the huge Victoria Regia leaves, and 
sun-bitterns spread their gorgeous wings as they 
strutted along the muddy shores. 


IN THE JUNGLE 


79 


From the tranquil water tiny fresh-water flying 
fish skittered off like skipping stones as the canoe 
approached, and curious 6 1 four-eyed fish” scurried 
away in schools on every hand. Once Eric caught a 
glimpse of a great scaly alligator that slipped from 
a tacuba as the boat rounded a bend in the stream, 
and at another time a big otter swam swiftly across 
the creek, leaving a trailing wake of silver upon 
the dark water. 

It was like navigating a new world, an undiscov- 
ered land, and Eric plied Hermanns with questions 
as to the various trees and plants, the insects, the 
fishes and the birds, to all of which the Indian re- 
plied, telling his white companion their Indian 
names, the uses to which they were put and some- 
thing of their growth or habits. 

For nearly two hours they paddled up the creek 
and then, swinging around a sharp bend, came in 
sight of a little clearing at the edge of the stream. 
Moored to the trees and drawn upon the muddy 
shores were several woodskins and two or three large 
dug-out canoes, and leading from the water ’s edge 
to the top of the steep bank was a crude, primitive 
ladder made by cutting deep notches in a log. Here 
Hermanas ran his canoe onto the mud, and hopping 
out, steadied the craft while Eric stepped ashore 


80 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


and clambered up the ladder to dry land. Up the 
hill and through the clearing ran a narrow, well 
marked path, and Hermanas, leading the way, told 
Eric that this led to his father’s camp. 

As they reached the summit of the bank they came 
face to face with a naked brown boy, who uttered 
a little cry of fright and dodged out of view among 
the bushes, as he caught sight of the stranger. Her- 
manas shouted a few words in his native tongue, 
however, and the youngster, reassured, came shyly 
forth and trotted along beside Hermanas, the while 
casting furtive, suspicious glances at Eric. Pres- 
ently they came to a field covered with banana trees 
and cassava plants with the thatched roofs of the 
Indians’ houses rising above the greenery. 

Eric had expected rude lean-tos or wigwams and 
was filled with surprise when, upon reaching the 
Indian camp, he saw the neat open houses or “ben- 
abs” of the Arekunas. Supported on stout upright 
posts were huge, steep-sided roofs of beautifully 
thatched palm leaves ; hard pounded earth served as 
the floors and from the posts swung numerous ham- 
mocks. No men were visible ; but several girls and 
women were busily working at various tasks in the 
benabs, and Hermanas greeted them in Arekuna and 



Leading from the water’s edge was a primitive ladder 


i 



IN THE JUNGLE 


81 


then led Eric into the largest benab and invited 
him to take possession of a luxurious ham- 
mock. 

It was very pleasant to lie here in the shade of 
the broad roof, for the open sides allowed a free cir- 
culation of air, and the gentle forest breeze was won- 
derfully cool. It was interesting, also, for the 
women went on with their tasks utterly oblivious 
to Eric’s presence, and he watched them intently as 
they pared cassava roots, grated them on slabs of 
wood roughened by tiny stones set in gum, and 
baked the cassava cakes on sheets of iron above 
a fire of coals. 

Presently the woman who was grating the roots 
rose and took a strange six-foot tube of basketwork 
from where it hung on a nearby post. Calling an- 
other girl to help her, the flexible tube was then 
pressed down until it was scarcely two feet in length 
while its diameter was almost trebled. Into this 
the grated roots were pressed, and then the two 
women carried the tube to a tree just outside of 
the benab. Here the upper end of the tube was 
hooked over a branch, a stout lever was passed 
through the lower end and pressing upon this the 
women exerted all their strength. At once the tube 
commenced to lengthen and become more slender, 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


and from the interstices of the basketwork liquid 
oozed forth. 

“ What are they doing ?” asked Eric of Hermanas. 

“Makeum cassava,’ ’ replied the Indian, and he 
then explained the whole intricate and wonderful 
process by which the poisonous roots of the manioc 
or cassava plant are converted into nutritive and 
wholesome food. 

He showed Eric how the roots were pared, how 
they were grated, and told him the poisonous juice 
was pressed out by means of the “metapee” as he 
had seen. He also explained that any remaining 
traces of poison were driven off by heat, and handed 
Eric one of the great flat cakes which had just been 
baked on the hot iron. Eric thought the cake had a 
very pleasant, nutty taste, but was rather dry, and 
Hermanas told him it was usually eaten with ‘ i pep- 
per pot.” Eric asked what this was and the Indian 
informed him it was made of the cassava juice boiled 
down until thick and known as “cassareep” and that 
into this peppers and bits of meat were thrown, 
and that a ‘ ‘ pepper pot” was always on hand in 
every house, and that the contents kept forever. 

“Cassava must be mighty useful,” remarked Eric. 
“Do you use it for anything else — useum for other 
thing same way?” 


IN THE JUNGLE 


83 


“Makeum piwarrie,” replied Hermanas, and in 
answer to Ericas question he stated that “piwarrie” 
was an intoxicating drink which was used at the 
Indian feasts, and was made by the women, who 
chewed up the cassava cakes and spat them into a 
trough of water where it was left to ferment. 

Eric thought this a most filthy and disgusting 
method of preparing the liquor, and was much re- 
lieved to find that Hermanas ’ father had forbidden 
the use of the drink in his camp, owing to the de- 
bauchery which resulted from drinking it. 

An Indian girl now appeared with breakfast, and 
the two boys did ample justice to the meal. There 
were cassava cakes and pepper pot, of course; hut 
in addition there were sweet potatoes ; fried, boiled 
and roasted plantains ; yams, and roasted “acourie” 
or agouti, which Eric declared excellent. The wait- 
ress was a comely girl, fifteen or sixteen years of 
age; but her golden-brown skin was disfigured by 
bright-blue lines tattooed across her lips and cheeks 
like a fanciful mustache. Hermanas told Eric she 
was an Acawoia girl who had married an Arekuna 
and, in reply to a question about the tattoo marks, 
explained that these indicated that she was one of 
the women selected to chew cassava for making 


84. 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


piwarrie, and that as such she was entitled to cer- 
tain privileges and respect. 

Eric was greatly interested in this, for it savored 
of the primitive aborigine, and he had been quite 
disappointed in finding the Indians so civilized. He 
had half expected to find them garbed in feathers 
and beads, but instead found them dressed in worn 
and rather ragged civilized clothes, and not until 
long afterwards did he discover that beneath their 
other garments the women still wore their beauti- 
fully woven bead aprons or “queyus”; that the 
“piaimen” or medicine men still possessed great 
influence over their fellows, and that civilization was 
scarcely more than a veneer. 

But he took a great liking to the quiet, soft-voiced 
people and thought it would not be at all unpleasant 
to live for some time in their camp here in the heart 
of the wilderness. 

After breakfast the two boys wandered about the 
camp, and Eric found much to interest him and 
learned a great deal about the arts and crafts of 
the Indians. He saw women weaving their wonder- 
ful cotton hammocks, and was filled with admira- 
tion at the deftness with which they spun the strong 
cotton twine from the raw cotton, using only a rude 
wooden spindle for a spinning wheel. He saw others 



+ 4 


The neat thatched benabs of the Arekunas 





. 












IN THE JUNGLE 


85 


weaving coarse baskets or “Bananas” in which bur- 
dens are carried by the women, while still others 
were plaiting beautiful “pegalls” or wicker trunks, 
or snake-like “metapees.” Every one was busily 
employed at something and all seemed content and 
happy. At first the women and children had been 
shy and had scarcely spoken; but now they had be- 
come accustomed to his presence, they laughed and 
chattered gayly, and Eric discovered they could all 
talk and understand English. 

In every house there was a platform of sticks 
across the rafters and on these the Indians kept all 
their possessions, and Eric was greatly elated when 
in one house he saw a number of bows and arrows 
lying upon the platform above his head. 

“Do your people use bows and arrows?” he asked 
Hermanas, and added, “I thought you all had guns.” 

“Useum bownarrer for shootum fish, shootum 
bird. Useum gun for shootum deer, shootum labba, 
shootum tiger. S’pose no can buy powder, no can 
buy shot, useum bownarrer all time.” 

Eric examined the bows and arrows with the most 
intense interest, for they were different from any- 
thing of the sort he had ever seen. The bows were 
very powerful, and about six feet in length, while 
the arrows were made of light cane and were fully 


86 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


five feet long. Most of them had no feathers and 
the heads were of various kinds. Some had fixed 
steel heads with many barbs ; others ended in broad 
balls of hard gum, while others had barbed steel 
points slipped loosely upon the end of the arrow 
and secured by a long line wrapped about the 
shaft. 

Hermanas explained that each kind of arrow was 
used for a definite purpose; that the fixed heads 
were used for turtles and birds and small animals; 
that the blunt heads were used for killing small birds 
or stunning creatures to be captured alive, and that 
the loose-headed arrows were designed for shooting 
fish, the light shaft floating free and acting as a buoy 
when the fish was struck and the line serving as a 
means for hauling the fish ashore — in fact, the whole 
affair was, in reality, a miniature harpoon shot from 
a bow. 

Eric wanted Hermanas to show him how the ar- 
rows were used, but the Indian said there were no 
fish and no game in the vicinity, but he promised 
to try and shoot some fish in the river when they 
returned to Ratura. 

Time passed quickly in the Indian camp, and it 
was long past noon when Eric, realizing that sev- 
eral hours were required to reach home, bade good- 


IN THE JUNGLE 


87 


by to his Arekuna friends and again embarking in 
the woodskin started down the creek. 

The labba was found where they had left it, the 
two powis were undisturbed, and laden with these 
the boys tramped homeward through the forest. 
To Eric there was no sign of a trail or mark by 
which Hermanas found his way through the jungle, 
but a turned leaf, a bent twig, or a cut vine left by 
the boys as they entered the bush was enough for 
the Indian’s keen eyes, and he hurried on unerringly 
and without pause or hesitation. At last the old 
trail was reached and a few minutes later they 
stepped out of the forest and into the cultivated 
land of Ratura. 

“You appear to have had good luck,” said Mr. 
Marvin, as the two boys arrived at the house late 
in the afternoon. 

“I expect we could have killed more if we’d stayed 
longer,” replied Eric, “but I didn’t care to kill things 
just for sport, and we had enough as it was.” 

“Quite right,” agreed his father. “That’s the 
true sportsman’s spirit. Destroying life merely for 
fun is despicable; but to kill for some purpose — 
even if not actually necessary — is quite different, 
especially if in so doing the hunter gains accurate 
knowledge of wild life, acquires woodcraft and self- 


88 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


reliance and trains eye, ear, brain and muscles by 
tbe chase. How did you enjoy your first experience 
in tbe jungle ?” 

4 ‘It was splendid,” declared Eric, “and we visited 
Hermanas’ borne and bad breakfast with tbe In- 
dians. Everything was so interesting and so differ- 
ent from anything I imagined. But I never could 
have done anything without Hermanas. He showed 
me all the game, and it was wonderful how he found 
his way about. Without him I should have been lost 
in a minute and might have tramped for hours with- 
out finding game.” 

“Well, I expect you are pretty well tired; what 
do you say to a good swim? One of the men showed 
me a fine bathing beach which he says is perfectly 
safe.” 

“I’d like nothing better, ’ ’ declared Eric. ‘ ‘ Come 
along, Hermanas, I’ll bet you swim like a fish.” 

Hermanas grinned. “S’pose takeum bownarrer. 
Mebbe seeum fish,” he remarked. 

“Yes, bring the bow and arrows along,” replied 
Eric. “If you can catch fish that way you’re cer- 
tainly some fisherman.” 

The beach was a charming spot, a crescent of 
golden sand bordering one side of a great pool or 
basin, barred from the river by a ledge of rocks, 



The women went on with their tasks oblivious to his presence 



Bade good-by to his Arekuna friends 




IN THE JUNGLE 


89 


and safe from the dreaded Perai fish, electric eels 
or other dangerous inhabitants of the river. 

The water was pleasantly cool, and much to Eric’s 
surprise its deep, reddish-brown color left no stain 
upon his skin or upon his garments. 

Hermanas enjoyed the bath fully as much as his 
white friends, and won their admiration by his 
feats at swimming and diving, for the Indian ap- 
peared as much at home in water as on land. 

After their bath Hermanas picked up his bow and 
arrows, and, cautioning Eric and his father to 
move silently a few yards in the rear, walked slowly 
along the shore, peering intently into each rock- 
bound pool and hole. With arrow fitted to string 
and bow ready for instant use he moved onward 
like a figure of glowing bronze in the soft rays of 
the sinking sun. Presently he bent forward, drew 
his bow and seemed about to shoot; but in a mo- 
ment he relaxed, and, standing erect, commenced 
beckoning towards the water, the while uttering a 
low whistle. 

1 1 He’s calling the fish,” whispered Mr. Marvin. 
“I’ve heard of it before, but I’ve never seen it done 
— it’s a most interesting performance.” 

“Does he really expect the fish to come to him?” 
asked Eric, in surprise. 


90 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


“He surely does,” replied Mr. Marvin. “I’m not 
prepared to say that the fish do respond to his ges- 
tures and whistles, but others have assured me they 
do. Ah! he must see one now.” 

Hermanas had ceased his gestures, and with a 
quick motion drew the bow to his ear; there was a 
ringing twang and the long arrow clove the water 
and disappeared in it with scarce a splash. 

The next moment the shaft bobbed up and in- 
stantly Hermanas leaped forward, and seizing the 
line attached to the cane commenced hauling it in. 
Eric and his father hurried forward, and as they 
reached the Indian he pulled a great, flapping, sil- 
very fish onto the rocks. 

4 ‘ Me tellum shootum fish same way, ’ ’ he remarked 
proudly. 

Eric clapped Hermanas on his bare brown back: 
“Hermanas,” he cried, “you’re simply a wonder — 
I’ll believe anything you tell me after this.” 

“Too easy shootum fish like so,” declared the In- 
dian. “All Buckman catchum same way.” 

As the party walked up the path towards the 
house Eric was very silent, but presently he turned 
to his father and asked: “Do you suppose Her- 
manas really called that fish to him?” 

Mr. Marvin smiled — “Ask Hermanas,” he replied. 



With a quick motion he drew the bow to his ear 



CHAPTER VII 


AT THE TIMBER GRANT 

For several days Eric and his father devoted their 
time to the estate, and then one morning two great 
corials arrived, laden deep with a motley crowd of 
negroes, coolies and Portuguese. 

They were the new laborers and under the direc- 
tion of a colored overseer they were lined up, signed 
their contracts and were given quarters in the bar- 
rack-like “ ranges” which had been enlarged and 
renovated for their use. 

About this same time Theophilus, Hermanas’ 
father, arrived with his first lot of timber — three fine 
pieces of purpleheart. He reported that the lum- 
bering was going on rapidly and that he hoped to 
bring in two or three logs each day in the future. 
As there were now plenty of hands to attend to the 
estate, and as the new overseer seemed a competent 
man, Mr. Marvin decided to make a trip into the 
timber grant and suggested returning with Theo- 
philus the same day. 


91 


92 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


Eric was greatly pleased at the prospect, for there 
was a chance of securing game, it meant a night or 
two spent in the forest, and he was deeply interested 
in the timber cutting besides. 

A few hours later the party set forth, Theophilus 
leading the way, Hermanas following with a loaded 
“suriana” upon his back and secured by a strip of 
bark around his forehead, and Eric and Mr. Marvin 
walking close behind, while in the rear were the oxen 
which had hauled out the logs, in charge of three 
Indians. 

Within the boundaries of the cultivated land the 
way was easy, for there was a fairly broad earth 
road, but at the edge of the bush this dwindled to 
a mere path deeply scored by the marks of the logs 
and Eric wondered how the great timbers ever had 
been drawn out. Presently they came to a muddy 
spot and here Eric noticed stout hardwood sticks 
had been placed across the path at intervals of a 
few feet, thus forming a rude skidway across which 
the logs slid easily. 

This road led through the dense jungle and Eric 
asked why the men did not cut the great trees which 
rose on every hand. 

“ They’re probably not the kind the contract calls 
for,” replied Mr. Marvin, and, calling to Theophilus, 


AT THE TIMBER GRANT 


93 


he asked what kind of trees grew in this part of 
the forest, and if they were of any value for timber. 

The Indian informed him that there were Mora, 
Silver-balli, Wallaba and numerous other trees, 
that many were used for timbers for buildings, and 
that wallaba was used for shingles, but that most 
of the wood was only of value as firewood. 

Eric would have enjoyed lingering in the forest 
to watch the many strange birds whose notes, cries 
and calls issued from the tree-tops and thickets, 
but the old Indian trudged rapidly on and Eric was 
forced to content himself with the hopes that the 
timber tract was as rich in bird life as the bush 
they were traversing. 

Up hill and down dale the trail led, at places 
crossing oozy hollows, beautiful with giant ferns and 
palms of countless varieties ; at other spots carried 
over crystal clear streams on rude bridges, but 
ever with the stout cross-pieces, like the ties of a 
railway, laid from side to side. 

i 6 Seems to me they have to bring the timber an 
awful distance,” remarked Eric, as after an hour’s 
walk they stopped for a moment’s rest beside a little 
brook. “ I thought they could find timber anywhere 
in the forest.” 


94 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


“So they can if they want common timber,’ ’ re- 
plied Mr. Marvin, and added : 

“This contract calls for definite sized logs of se- 
lected timber of certain kinds. The trees do grow all 
over the country, but in most spots they are scat- 
tered and it would cost more to clear the jungle 
and fell the worthless trees than the good ones are 
worth. In some places, however, greenheart, purple- 
heart and other valuable trees are abundant and 
in such localities timber can be cut to advantage. 
It’s a pity our timber grant is so far from the estate. 
The haulage costs a great deal and a light railway 
would be a vast help. We can’t afford that at pres- 
ent, however; but maybe in the future we’ll have 
one.” 

“I wonder if I know greenheart and crabwood 
when I see them?” remarked Eric, as he gazed about 
him at the numerous trees. ‘ i The man in the Botanic 
Station showed me the various trees, and I learned 
how to distinguish them, but they look very differ- 
ent to me here.” 

“I expect you’ll learn quickly,” replied his father. 
“Hermanas can soon show you the distinctions; 
that’s one reason I made this trip — to let you see 
how the work is carried on so you can take charge 
if necessary.” 


AT THE TIMBER GRANT 


95 


Presently the tramp was resumed, and a short 
distance farther on they came upon a noisy, sweat- 
ing crowd of Indians hauling a huge log along the 
trail by means of hush ropes. They were glad to 
turn the work over to the ox drivers, and joined 
the rest of the party to return to the spot where 
cutting was going on. 

1 1 I’ve heard a lot about these Indians’ laziness,” 
said Eric, “but I don’t see how any one can call them 
lazy after seeing them haul that huge timber over 
this trail.” 

“They’re not lazy in the true sense of the word,” 
replied Mr. Marvin. “When they work they work 
exceedingly well and with all their energies, and as 
they are powerfully built and possess marvelous en- 
durance they accomplish a great deal. For example, 
they’ve built all this wood road since we arrived at 
Ratura. The only trouble is they never can be de- 
pended upon to undertake work, for they are quite 
independent and can live comfortably without labor- 
ing and they scarcely require money, except to pur- 
chase clothing and ammunition.” 

“I can’t blame them much,” declared Eric. “It 
must be lots easier to lounge in a hammock in one 
of their houses and just grow cassava and hunt 


96 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


game for a living than to chop down trees and haul 
logs through the forest.” 

Soon the sound of axes ringing on wood reached 
their ears, and a few minutes later they came to a 
partly cleared spot in the forest where they saw a 
group of Indians busily chopping at a huge tree. 
Naked, save for loin cloths, the redmen stood upon a 
light framework of poles nearly twenty feet above 
the ground and wielded their long-handled axes 
with wonderful dexterity. “What on earth do they 
stand up there for?” asked Eric. “Why don’t they 
chop the tree down close to the ground and sa^e all 
the trunk there is?” 

“If you come closer you’ll see,” replied his father. 
“There,” he continued, as they drew near, “you see 
how the trunk of the tree spreads out into huge 
buttresses or slabs. It’s a habit peculiar to the 
majority of tropical forest trees and a provision of 
nature to enable the trees to secure a firm roothold 
in the soft earth — sort of natural braces or guys as 
it were. To chop through all those slabs would 
take a vast amount of time and labor and the timber 
would he useless, and hence the woodcutters erect 
their platforms so they can cut the trees above the 
buttresses.” 

“I understand now,” said Eric; “I might have 


AT THE TIMBER GRANT 


97 


known, too, if I’d stopped to think, for I noticed 
many of the trees with similar trunks when I was 
hunting with Hermanas.” 

Theophilus now approached and warned Mr. Mar- 
vin and Eric that the tree would soon fall and led 
them to a place of safety far to one side. 

* 1 Can’t we stand closer than this!” asked Eric. 
“ We’re too far off to see anything.” 

Theophilus shook his head and explained that 
the falling tree would bring down countless vines 
and lianas and that these, being connected to other 
trees, would tear away limbs or branches or even 
pull over smaller trees, any one of which might in- 
jure or kill a person standing nearer. 

“How do the men manage!” asked Eric. 

“They’re in the safest spot,” replied Mr. Mar- 
vin. “Their only real danger is in the butt end 
kicking hack, hut they’re as agile as monkeys and 
are seldom injured.” 

Very soon an ominous crack sounded from the 
huge trunk, and after a few swift strokes the great 
tree commenced to lean slightly to one side. In- 
stantly two of the men sprang from the platform 
and scurried off to points of safety while the re- 
maining Indian stood his ground and continued to 
aim strong, ringing blows upon the straining wood. 


98 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


Another crack, a loud, tearing, rending sound and 
the axman leaped to earth and hurried out of sight 
behind a nearby tree. Slowly, majestically the gi- 
gantic tree swung over; from far above came the 
sharp ripping of vines and limbs; masses of air 
plants, dead branches and a shower of leaves fell 
from the tree-tops; great cable-like lianas swung 
free and writhed in the air like enormous serpents. 
Then, with a final deafening roar, the stupendous 
trunk came crashing, rushing, hurtling downward, 
whipping trees and limbs into shreds as it swept 
on its irresistible way until, amid a blinding whirl- 
wind of leaves, twigs, branches and vines, it struck 
the earth with a blow that shook the forest. 

Eric had gazed fascinated at the falling monarch 
of the jungle. ‘ 1 Whew ! ’ ’ he exclaimed, when all was 
over and he drew a long breath. ‘ 1 Wasn’t that sim- 
ply magnificent ?’ ’ 

“It was a grand sight,” agreed his father, “but 
these men see it so often that I don’t suppose they 
think anything about it.” 

“Well, I’ll never forget it as long as 1 live,” de- 
clared Eric. 

His father laughed. “You’ll forget all about it 
by the time you’ve seen a few dozen trees felled,” 
he replied. 


AT THE TIMBER GRANT 


99 


The choppers had now reached the tree, and were 
busily cutting away the vines, air plants and orchids 
which covered the enormous trunk, while others 
hewed at the mighty limbs that spread for scores 
of feet in every direction. 

To Eric the growths upon the fallen tree were 
wonderful and he uttered exclamation after exclama- 
tion as he discovered strange and beautiful orchids, 
odd air plants, and masses of gorgeous flowers upon 
the prone trunk, and the lianas it had brought down 
in its fall. It was little wonder that he was inter- 
ested and enthusiastic, for the roof of the jungle had 
been brought within his reach, and at his feet lay the 
wealth of luxuriant growths that were at other times 
a hundred feet or more above the earth. 

Hermanas, too, was poking about amid the mass 
of tangled vegetation, and presently hurried to Eric 
with a soft, fuzzy bundle in his arms. 

“What is it!” asked Eric, as the Indian ap- 
proached. Hermanas lifted the object up and ex- 
hibited a strange yellowish-brown creature about 
the size of a cat. “Night monkey,” he replied. 
“Mebbe you wantum for keep. He makeum nlenty 
tame. Plenty funny for pet.” 

Eric took the queer little beast in his hands and 
examined it curiously. “It’s the funniest thing I 


100 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


ever saw,” he declared. “ Thank you, Hermanas, 
I’ll he awfully glad to have the fellow for a pet. 
What does it eat?” 

“Eatum all thing all same man,” replied the In- 
dian. 1 1 Eatum banana ; eatum cassava ; eatum meat, 
spider, hug, everything.” 

“The real name is ‘Kinkajou,’ ” said Mr. Mar- 
vin. “They’re related to bears and raccoons, hut 
have prehensile tails like monkeys and marvelously 
long, flexible tongues like ant-eaters. In their wild 
state they live mainly on insects and honey which 
they draw from the wild beehives with their tongues. 
When I lived in Central America I had one as a 
pet, and he proved the most interesting and drollest 
of creatures you could imagine.” 

“You take care of him till we reach home, Her- 
manas,” said Eric, and, handing the baby kinkajou 
to the Indian boy, he followed his father towards a 
spot where a number of men were squaring up the 
logs already cut. 

The work was all done by means of axes, and 
Eric marveled at the skill and rapidity with which 
the men hewed the rough logs into neat square tim- 
bers. Several trees were already squared up and 
ready to be hauled out, others were lying where 
they fell and waiting to be trimmed to shape, while 



The timber road led through the forest with great trees on every hand 





























































































* 





































































































AT THE TIMBER GRANT 


101 


the men who felled the trees were busily erecting 
a scaffold about another doomed monarch of the 
forest. 

Theophilus led Mr. Marvin and Eric about the 
grant. He showed them the trees selected and 
marked for cutting, stated how many of each kind 
could be obtained, and pointed out the distinguish- 
ing peculiarities of the various trees. By the time 
the sun dropped behind the fringe of primeval forest 
to the west, Eric had learned a vast amount about 
the work and the timber trees, while Mr. Marvin 
expressed his pleasure at the progress being made. 

“At this rate we’ll soon be able to fulfill the con- 
tract/ J he remarked, as the party made their way 
towards the Indians ’ camp. “I think we can make 
our first delivery this week.” 

‘ ‘ How are you going to send these big logs down 
the river?” asked Eric. “It won’t be possible to 
put them in a boat.” 

“We’ll float them down,” replied his father. “It 
will take several days and only a few can be handled 
at one time. For that reason I’m anxious to hurry 
them off as soon as possible.” 

“I don’t understand how we can float them when 
Theophilus says these timbers sink in water,” said 
Eric. 


102 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


“ That’s accomplished by means of boats/ ’ re- 
plied Mr. Marvin. “ Strong timbers are placed 
across a large corial, or a ballyhoo boat, with the 
ends projecting on either side, and the logs are 
suspended from these so that they are slightly sub- 
merged. By this method several timbers can be 
floated by means of a comparatively small craft.’ ’ 

The wood cutters’ camp consisted of several ben- 
abs or logis built of pole and palm and very 
similar to the houses at Hermanas ’ home. As Eric 
and his father approached they saw some of the 
men busily at work on a new logi. The posts and 
framework were in place and fully half the roof 
was completed. Hermanas told them that this fresh 
house had been built especially for their use, and 
that it would be ready for occupancy by the time 
the evening meal was over. Eric could scarcely 
believe that the dwelling could be completed in such 
a short space of time ; but after he had watched the 
men at work and had seen how rapidly and deftly 
they plaited the broad palm leaves and tied them to 
the roof timbers to form the thick, weather-proof 
thatch, he was not surprised to learn that the whole 
structure had been made since his arrival, and that 
the Indians ’ homes could be built in a day or less. 

As the evening meal was finished darkness de- 


AT THE TIMBER GRANT 


103 


scended on camp and forest, and a wonderful picture 
was spread before Eric and his father as they re- 
clined in their hammocks beneath their logi. Against 
the dark background of the great trees the fires 
glowed brightly, touching the orchid-covered trunks 
with ruddy lights, filling the air with the aromatic 
scent of burning gums and transforming the palm- 
thatched logis to canopies of gold. Squatting on 
their haunches, leaning against the nearby trees or 
lounging in their hammocks the Indians rested, 
talking in low tones in their tribal tongues; their 
muscular limbs and half-savage faces gleaming like 
bronze in the fitful light. All about huge fireflies 
twinkled and flashed like animated stars; an owl 
hooted from the forest; a soft-winged goatsucker 
asked, “Who are you?” in querulous tones as it 
flitted by, and from far and near came the ceaseless 
chorus of the frogs. As the fires died down the 
men knocked ashes from their pipes, crawled into 
their hammocks and curled up for the night. Then 
great rain drops pattered loudly on the thatch, a 
sudden shower quenched the last glowing embers of 
the fires, and darkness and silence fell like a velvet 
curtain upon the camp in the jungle. 

Eric soon fell asleep, despite the fact that it was 
his first experience in a hammock. He awoke with 


104 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


a start to hear a weird, wailing scream issuing from 
the depths of the hush apparently close at hand. It 
was inky black, deep silence brooded over the camp 
and Eric felt a sudden wave of loneliness and un- 
reasonable fear sweep over him. He tried to reason 
with himself, to shake off the nameless terror which 
that Banshee-like cry created, but despite his efforts 
he felt a tingling sensation on his spine and the 
hair seemed to bristle on his scalp. Evidently the 
Indians and his father had not been disturbed, and, 
snuggling down in his hammock, he tried to drop 
asleep once more; instead, he found himself lis- 
tening with almost bated breath for a repetition of 
the awful sound from the forest. But only the oc- 
casional call of a night bird or the twitter of bats 
broke the silence and at last he fell into a troubled 
slumber from which he was aroused by the sound of 
voices, and, sitting up, he found the Indians already 
cooking their morning meal. The sun was still below 
the forest, a soft breeze rustled the leaves and count- 
less bird notes filled the cool morning air. 

“ You hearum tiger ?” inquired Hermanas, as Eric 
approached. 

“Hear a tiger, when?” replied Eric, puzzled. 

“In night; makeum plenty noise like so.” The 
Indian uttered a perfect imitation of the cry which 


AT THE TIMBER GRANT 


105 


had caused Eric such an uncomfortable half hour 
during the night. 

4 4 Oh, so that was a tiger, ’ 9 said Eric. 4 4 It scared 
me all right. He must have been close to camp. But 
I didn’t know you heard it.” 

4 4 Me hearum,” replied Hermanas. 4 4 No make 
come near camp; plenty far in bush.” 

Mr. Marvin now approached and Eric inquired 
if he had been awakened by the jaguar. His father 
confessed he had not heard the cries, and Eric asked 
if it was not dangerous to sleep where the great cats 
prowled about. “They’re not at all dangerous un- 
less wounded,” said Mr. Marvin, 4 4 and will never 
approach a camp or settlement unless to capture 
goats, poultry or other prey.” 

4 4 Well, I wish I could kill one,” declared Eric. 
4 4 Don’t you suppose Hermanas and I could find the 
one that screamed if we hunted for it!” 44 I doubt 
it,” replied his father. 4 4 The natives usually hunt 
them with trained dogs. However, if you’d care to 
go for a hunt, you may. There’s nothing much to 
be done here, and some game will not come amiss.” 
As soon as they had taken a light breakfast, the two 
boys started off, and within a minute after leaving 
camp were in the heart of the bush. For some time 
there was no sign of game, — not even a powi or a 


106 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


marudi could be heard, and Eric had begun to think 
the animals had all been frightened off by the wood- 
cutters, when a small reddish-brown creature scur- 
ried across an open space a few yards ahead. Eric 
raised his gun, but before he could pull trigger Her- 
manas grasped his arm and whispered: “No shoot- 
urn. Look see . 9 9 He pointed to the ground and Eric 
saw a number of small, deep hoofprints. “Pec- 
cary, 9 9 said Hermanas in a low voice. ‘ ‘ Mebbe so we 
killum . 9 9 There had evidently been quite a herd of 
the wild pigs in the vicinity, for the ground was 
everywhere marked by their sharp hoofs, while torn 
roots and upturned earth showed where the crea- 
tures had been rooting about in search of food. 

Hermanas moved slowly in ever-widening circles, 
and at last located the trail by which the peccaries 
had departed, and signaling to Eric to keep close 
at hand he crept, half crouching, through the under- 
growth. 

For fully half a mile the two boys proceeded in 
this manner, the trail leading first this way, then 
that, and Eric’s back ached and his muscles were 
cramped with the unaccustomed attitude. Then the 
Indian stopped, Eric slipped up beside him, and 
Hermanas pointed to a little muddy hollow sur- 
rounded by a thick growth of small palms. Eric 


AT THE TIMBER GRANT 


107 


looked intently at the spot. At first he could see 
nothing but the dark reddish mud, the fallen palm 
fronds and the pool of stagnant water. Then what 
he had taken for a lump of mud moved slightly, a 
low grunt followed, and instantly Eric realized that 
the peccaries were lying, buried to their eyes, in 
the cool mud within a few yards of where he 
crouched. 

As he raised his gun to fire, all he had ever 
read or heard of the habits of peccaries flashed 
through his mind. He remembered tales of the mad 
courage of the animals when wounded or attacked, 
how the savage little pigs tore men to shreds in 
their anger and how hunters were often compelled 
to climb trees and wait for hours until help arrived 
after firing at a herd of the creatures. Where he 
and Hermanas lay hidden there were no large trees 
to climb, the brush and creepers were too thick to 
permit of running, and Eric wondered what would 
be the result of his shot or what would happen if 
the peccaries attacked Hermanas and himself. 

He was no coward, but he felt he was taking a 
terrible chance, and he longed to question his Indian 
friend before firing at the pigs. But he realized that 
to utter a sound would start the peccaries on head- 
long flight, and he knew that Hermanas must be 


108 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


familiar with, the creatures’ habits, and that he 
would not allow him to run any risk. 

All these thoughts passed through his mind as he 
raised his gun and aimed at the nearest pig and 
without hesitation he pulled the trigger. 

At the report a tremendous chorus of snorts, 
grunts and squeals came from the wallow, and Eric 
leaped to his feet, peering into the smoke and ex- 
pecting to see the peccaries rushing toward him 
with gleaming tusks bared. Instead the squeals and 
grunts became fainter and fainter; Hermanas 
dashed forward and Eric, following, reached the 
muddy hollow, to find it empty and deserted save for 
a fine big peccary that was stretched lifeless at the 
edge of the pool. 

As Hermanas deftly cut the musk-glands from 
the peccary’s back and proceeded to clean the car- 
cass on the spot, Eric questioned him about the 
habits of the wild pigs, and asked why they had 
not turned on the hunters as he had been told was 
their custom. 

The Indian assured him that he had never known 
of peccaries attacking men, that they scurried out 
of sight at the first sign of danger, and that he con- 
sidered tales to the contrary as ‘ ‘ Plenty much lie. ’ ’ 

The peccary, even when dressed, was a good load 


AT THE TIMBER GRANT 


109 


for the two hoys, and fastening it to a stout pole, the 
two ends of which rested on their shoulders, Eric 
and Hermanas started towards the camp. 

Eric had always prided himself upon his ability 
to find his way in the woods, and in the north had 
never become confused, but here in the Guiana wilds 
he was completely at a loss, and would have been 
perfectly helpless without his Indian chum. 

Hermanas, however, seemed to know where the 
camp lay by instinct, and set out through the forest 
without the least hesitation ; merely remarking that 
he was taking a short cut. 

Presently they reached a small creek, and as they 
pushed through the underbrush along its shores 
some large animal plunged down the bank and with 
a tremendous splash leaped into the water. 

“What was that?” exclaimed Eric. He dropped 
his end of the pole and held his gun ready. 

“Water-haas,” replied Hermanas. 

Eric asked if they could get the creature, but the 
Indian shook his head and assured Eric that the 
water-haas or capybara was a very shy creature and 
that it was as much at home in the water as on land. 
He also said that it would no doubt raise its head 
above water in some hidden spot among the over- 
hanging foliage and would be able to watch the 


110 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


boys’ movements without a possibility of their see- 
ing it. 

As both the boys were rather tired they sat down 
to rest upon a fallen tree beside the creek and both 
kept a sharp lookout for the capybara, but the wary 
animal failed to appear, and the boys again resumed 
their tramp. A little after leaving the creek Her- 
manas halted, motioned to Eric to set down the 
peccary and then, beckoning to him, led the way 
through the thickets to one side. Here there was 
a slight rise or small hill and, wriggling up this, the 
boys looked down upon a little open space among 
the trees. A ray of sunshine broke through the 
foliage and in the center of the golden light stood 
three birds such as Eric had never before seen. 

They were about the size of Guinea-fowls, but 
with longer legs and more slender necks, and they 
stalked slowly about in a most dignified and stately 
manner. They appeared to have no wings, for their 
backs were covered with soft gray feathers that 
drooped down all about their bodies. Their graceful 
necks and heads seemed made of black velvet, while 
their breasts gleamed with wonderful metallic hues 
of iridescent blue, purple and gold, like the throats 
of humming birds. 

They were Trumpet birds, and Eric gazed at them 


AT THE TIMBER GRANT 


111 


with, interest and admiration, while Hermanas urged 
him in whispered tones to shoot. But Eric had no 
wish to kill the beautiful creatures, and although the 
Indian could not understand why the birds were 
not fair game and was no doubt disgusted at Eric’s 
refusal to destroy them, he made no protest, hut 
remained motionless beside the white boy. At last 
an incautious movement warned birds of the pres- 
ence of human beings and, like shadows of the forest, 
they slipped into the surrounding jungle. 

As the boys trudged onward the peccary seemed 
to increase in weight with each step, and when at 
last they came in sight of the camp they were glad 
indeed to throw down their load and rest their 
weary limbs in the hammocks beneath the grateful 
shade of the logi. 


CHAPTER VIII 


THE CONSPIRACY 

For many weeks nothing of importance occurred 
at Ratura. The men worked diligently, the over- 
seer knew his business thoroughly, and Mr. Marvin, 
believing in the adage, “If you want a thing well 
done, you must do it yourself, ,, attended person- 
ally to every detail about the estate. 

Eric was here, there and everywhere, — invariably 
accompanied by Hermanas, — and his youthful en- 
thusiasm, his never-failing good nature and his won- 
derful energy made him a universal favorite among 
the men, who exerted themselves to the utmost to 
please the “young marster.” All over the estate 
the effects of energetic work, careful supervision 
and practical knowledge were evident. The land 
was free from weeds and brush, the trees were care- 
fully pruned and trimmed, neat paths and roads 
led through the cultivation, and a large kitchen gar- 
den had been laid out in which many northern veg- 
etables were thriving. 


112 



He helped to gather the cocoa pods 








THE CONSPIRACY 


113 


All the bearing rubber trees had been tapped, the 
latex had been successfully coagulated and a great 
bale of the brown, translucent sheets of raw rubber 
had been shipped away. The limes had all been 
gathered and crushed, the juice concentrated and 
several barrels of citrate had been made. The lum- 
bering had proceeded smoothly and rapidly, and 
timber after timber had been floated down the river 
and delivered safely in Georgetown. The cacao 
trees had added their quota to the whole, and to 
Eric the preparation of the cocoa had proved vastly 
interesting. He helped the men to gather the red 
and yellow pods, he admired the dexterity with 
which they chopped the pods open and emptied the 
thick pulp and the seeds it contained into the wait- 
ing baskets, and he watched each dripping load as 
it was dumped into the fermenting vats. Then when 
the dark brown beans were spread upon the great 
shallow trays for drying Eric visited them daily as 
the men shuffled and raked them about, and he was 
always the first to note an approaching shower and 
to see that the trays were run under their sheds to 
prevent the beans from getting wet. At last they 
were cured and dried to perfection and were safely 
stored in bags for shipment, and the foreman 
averred they were the finest cocoa beans ever grown 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


1M 

in the colony. Eric felt vastly proud at the result, 
as indeed he well might, for every step in their prep- 
aration had been under his watchful eyes and the 
men had taken extraordinary care in the work. 

But there had been plenty of recreation as well 
as work for the two boys. Many hunting trips had 
been taken in the jungles for several miles about and 
many a long voyage had been made far up the for- 
est creeks in the woodskin. 

Sometimes no game had rewarded them, but at 
other times luck had favored, and deer, capybara, 
labba and even a big tapir or “bush cow” had been 
brought in by the “jungle chums,” as Mr. Marvin 
called the boys. Moreover, two fine ocelot skins and 
a ten-foot crocodile hide decorated the walls of the 
gallery as trophies of Eric’s hunts, but no “tiger” 
had he seen, and he had also failed to secure one of 
the huge “camudis,” or boas, of which he had heard 
marvelous tales. 

“It’s funny we don’t see more snakes,” he re- 
marked, when talking with his father on one occa- 
sion. “I’ve hunted high and low and Hermanas and 
his Indian friends have hunted and yet we haven’t 
seen a single live snake except a harmless yellow- 
tail about five feet long and one or two little striped 
fellows like our garter snakes at home. Why, from 


THE CONSPIRACY 


115 


what I’d read and heard, I thought the jungles were 
alive with snakes and that a person’s life was in 
danger all the time he was in the hush. I supposed 
anacondas and boas were just waiting to seize and 
crush one, that bushmasters rushed out to kill any 
passer-by, that deadly green parrot snakes hid 
themselves in the foliage and struck down the trav- 
eler without warning, and that huge rattlesnakes 
lurked in every thicket. Are there really any such 
snakes here, father?” 

Mr. Marvin laughed. 1 1 Such stories are like many 
other tales one hears about the tropics, ’ ’ he replied. 
“They are vastly exaggerated, and the experiences 
of countless travelers and many years are con- 
densed into a single yarn. There are snakes, both 
harmless and poisonous, in Guiana, as in nearly 
every country; but they are so few, so scattered 
and so shy that one might spend years in the colony 
and never see a single venomous snake or a large 
boa or anaconda. In fact, snakes are not nearly 
as abundant here as in the United States, and it’s 
the rarest thing for a person to be bitten, — even the 
bare-footed Indians, coolies and negroes pay no at- 
tention to such a remote danger. It ’s the same with 
many other things, — such as scorpions, tarantulas 
and centipedes, which northerners are prone to think 


116 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


swarm everywhere in the tropics, and threaten the 
lives of visitors at every tnm. As a matter of fact, 
all these are as scarce as snakes, — as yon know from 
experience, — and, moreover, they are practically 
harmless. One might as well live in dread of death 
by hornets or bees as of these much maligned crea- 
tures. ’ 9 

As Mr. Marvin ceased speaking a messenger ar- 
rived and handed him a letter. 

“Do you suppose you could manage the estate for 
a week or two f ’ ’ he asked Eric, as he finished read- 
ing. “I find I must go over to Barbados on busi- 
ness, — it may mean another large timber contract, — 
and the steamer sails the day after to-morrow. I 
don’t think you ’ll have any difficulties, — every- 
thing’s running smoothly now. Van Pelt’s note falls 
due in a short time, but the timber contract is almost 
filled, there’s a good balance on hand from the rub- 
ber, cacao and other products and this, with the 
returns from the contract, will cover the note easily. 
I’ll be back in time to attend to it, I hope — if not, 
I’ll cable Van Pelt to extend it until I return, or I’ll 
mail you power of attorney and directions to meet 
any contingency.” 

“I’m sure I can manage nicely,” Eric assured 
him. “I know how everything should be done, and 


THE CONSPIRACY 


117 


the men all work well and will do as I tell them. 
Don’t worry, father, I’ll love the chance to see how 
well I can manage alone. ’ 7 

Matters were soon arranged. Mr. Marvin hurried 
away to catch the steamer, and Eric was left in sole 
charge of the estate, and everything went on much as 
usual at Batura. A few days later Eric received a 
long letter from his father, stating that he had se- 
cured another large contract and instructing Eric to 
have Theophilus commence cutting for it at once. 
He also said that he found it impossible to return in 
time to attend to Van Pelt’s note and enclosed a 
power of attorney authorizing Eric to collect the 
money due on the timber and to draw the cash from 
the hank in order that the note might be paid on 
time. It all seemed very simple and, the last of the 
timber having been floated down the river and de- 
livered, Eric and Hermanns left the estate in charge 
of the overseer and started for Georgetown. 

They reached Bartica after sundown and took 
rooms at the hotel to await the river steamer, which 
sailed early the following morning. The boys were 
quite tired and went to bed early and were just 
dropping off to sleep when they were aroused by 
the sound of voices as two men entered an adjoining 
room. The rooms were separated only by thin 


118 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


wooden partitions which, to afford better ventila- 
tion, did not extend to the ceiling, and the boys conld 
not avoid overhearing the conversation next door. 
At first they gave no attention to it, only hoping 
that their neighbors would soon retire and allow 
them to rest undisturbed. Then Eric caught the 
word “Batura,” and, whispering to Hermanas to 
be silent, he strained his ears to hear what was be- 
ing said on the other side of the partition. 

“It’s a cinch,” declared one voice, “Marvin’s 
away, and only that kid of his is in charge. He 
can’t raise a cent, and Marvin can’t be reached, — he 
left Barbados on the Carraquet yesterday and 
won’t be in till Sunday. The note’s due on Thurs- 
day; to-day’s Monday, and I’ll be at the bank on 
the dot, don’t you fear.” 

“Can’t the kid get the cash from Bascom and 
meet the note?” inquired the other voice. 

The first speaker laughed. “I’ve seen to that,” 
he replied. “ Bascom ’s gone to Paramaribo to see 
some timber, and no one else is going to pay ten 
thousand dollars to a kid, — even if the contract is 
filled. No, sir, — that note’s going to protest, and 
I ’m going to throw Marvin into bankruptcy and get 
Ratura, — believe me.” 

“I wouldn’t be too cock-sure,” remarked the 



He watched the men as they chopped the pods open 














< ' ■ 































































































THE CONSPIRACY 


119 


other. “ Court won’t turn the place over just ’cause 
you’ve got the note, and Marvin can’t raise cash to 
settle, — even if the note’s not paid on time; they’ll 
extend the time or investigate. Marvin’s pretty well 
liked, and he’ll get fair play.” 

“Say, you must be getting cold feet,” replied 
the first voice contemptuously. “There’s plenty of 
other creditors, and they’ll all jump on him if that 
note’s not paid on time. Even if he raises enough 
to square ’em all, suits cost money, and it’ll tie up 
his contracts and take his time. If he can’t fill ’em 
no one’s goin’ to give him credit. Then Leggett can 
get in his play. I tell you , Tom, it’s a sure game. 
You don’t think I’ve gone into this deal with my 
eyes shut, do you? Not by a long shot, — we must 
have Ratura by hook or crook, and I’m not taking 
chances. Wouldn’t Marvin he sick if he knew what 
we know, — jolly good joke, I say.” 

“Too bad Leggett’s game fell through,” com- 
mented the other. “If Marvin hadn’t turned up 
when he did, things would have been dead easy, and 
we wouldn’t have had to buy the note. Three 
months more and the place would have been sold 
out, and we’d have had our innings. How did you 
manage to make Van Pelt sell the note? I thought 
the Dutchman promised Marvin to extend it.” 


120 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


The other man chuckled. ‘ ‘ So he did, ’ 9 he replied, 
“Marvin trusted him all right, — never dreamed 
there ’d be trouble. Why should he, — he didn’t know 
any one wanted his bally old place or why they 
should. Lucky job I had something on Van Pelt. 
Old chap wouldn ’t listen to selling at first, but I put 
the screws on him and brought him to terms all 
right. ’ 9 

“You’re a smart one,” said the other admiringly. 
“How did you do it?” 

“Remember that chap, Scheerer, — the fellow who 
was held here as a German suspect? Well, old Van 
Pelt got him off, — swore he was a Dutchman, known 
him for years, and all that. I’m wise to the fact 
he was sl German, all right, and an officer at that. 
When Van Pelt found I knew, and had ways to prove 
it, he was jolly well ready to make any terms, you 
bet. Things would ’a been too hot for him here if 
the story ’d leaked out. Sold out cheap, too, — pity 
we had to spend the cash, though.” * 

“Well, here’s luck to you,” exclaimed the other. 
“You’re off on the morning boat, eh?” 

The sound of tinkling glasses followed, and Eric 
listened breathlessly while the two strangers drank 
their liquor. But the conversation was not resumed. 
Presently there was the noise of chairs pushed back, 


THE CONSPIRACY 


121 


a door shut, and footsteps echoed down the hall. 

Hermanas slipped to the door, opened it noise- 
lessly and peered out, but the hallway was dimly lit, 
and the strangers’ backs were unrecognizable. 

Eric was dumbfounded at what he had heard, and 
threw himself into a chair, absolutely at a loss. He 
was face to face wdth a terrible situation, and tre- 
mendous responsibilities had been thrust suddenly 
upon him. By merest chance he had learned of some 
deep-laid plot to obtain Ratura, to destroy his fa- 
ther’s credit, and to throw the company into bank- 
ruptcy; but by whom or for what reason he could 
not even guess. 

One thing had been made clear, however, Leggett 
was mixed up in the conspiracy, and Eric now un- 
derstood why the rascally ex-manager had falsified 
accounts, had allowed the estate to run down by neg- 
lect, and had asserted that it could not be made to 
pay. Beyond doubt, his scheme had been to force 
the company into bankruptcy, or to sell out to avoid 
such a result, and thus throw Ratura in the way of 
his confederates. No wonder he had become furious 
when Mr. Marvin had arrived so unexpectedly and 
all the well-laid plans had been destroyed. Eric 
wondered where Leggett was at present, — who the 
strangers were, and why they were so anxious to 


m 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


secure the estate at all hazards; but it was abso- 
lutely beyond him; it was all a deep, inexplicable 
mystery. 

What could he do? The note which he had ex- 
pected to pay on the morrow had passed from Van 
Pelt’s hands, and Bascom, who owed the money for 
the timber, was beyond reach. Mr. Marvin was at 
sea, there was no cash available save that in the 
bank, there was no means of borrowing, and Eric 
knew no one to whom he could turn for help or 
advice. Yet something must be done at once to save 
Ratura and avoid long, expensive lawsuits. 

Worst of all, he could not invoke the aid of the 
law, for, inexperienced as he was, he realized that 
there was no crime premeditated, that the scheme as 
revealed was perfectly legitimate, even if it was un- 
derhand, and that, above all, he had no proof, and 
could not even tell the names of the plotters. 

The more he racked his brains for some way out 
of the dilemma the more hopeless it seemed. Over- 
whelmed with the knowledge of the blow so soon to 
fall, powerless to prevent it, and striving to think 
of some means of circumventing the conspirators, 
Eric had quite forgotten his companion’s presence, 
and putting his thoughts into words, exclaimed, 



As the men shuffled and raked the cocoa beans in the drying trays 

































































THE CONSPIRACY 


123 


1 ‘ What can I do? I must get money before Thurs- 
day.” 

“S’pose mebbe sellum cattle,” Hermanas re- 
marked. 

Eric leaped to his feet. “Fine!” he exclaimed. 
Then his face fell, as he asked, “But who’s going 
to buy cattle? We’d have to sell an awful lot to 
make six thousand dollars.” 

“Go turn two, free hund’ed, mebbe. Me know one 
feller mebbe buyum,” replied the Indian. 

“Do you?” cried Eric. “Where is he? How 
much are cattle worth?” 

“He coolie man, live Berbice side. Mebbe pay 
fifty dollar,” was the answer. 

“Hurrah!” shouted Eric. “If we can sell two 
hundred cattle we can pay the note without drawing 
the cash from the bank, — even one hundred and 
twenty head will be enough. But where’s Berbice, 
and how can we get there?” 

Hermanas explained that Berbice was beyond 
Georgetown, and that to reach it they must go to the 
capital and take either the train or the coastwise 
boat. 

“But we won’t be in time,” objected Eric. “It 
will take us all day to-morrow to reach Georgetown, 
all the next day to reach Berbice, a day to see your 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


1 24 

friend and return, and another day to get boats to 
Georgetown, — that’s Friday night, even if we make 
connections, and the note falls due on Thursday. 
We must have the money before three o’clock that 
day. Besides, the man’s going down on the boat 
to-morrow and he might recognize us and have us 
followed or robbed. We can’t do it, Hermanns. ” 
Eric sank into his chair the picture of dejection. 

But the Indian was in no mood to despair, for 
to his mind no obstacle was too great to be overcome 
if mere physical endurance and dogged persever- 
ance could accomplish it. 

“Me tellum make walk Georgetown this night,” 
he announced, as if walking sixty miles through the 
bush and across rivers was the simplest matter in 
the world. 

“Don’t be silly,” exclaimed Eric. “How can we 
walk to Georgetown?” Hermanas grinned as he 
realized Eric’s mistake. “No makeum walk for foot, 
makeum walk for corial,” he explained and added, 
“S’pose mebbe findum Buckmans same time.” 
Without waiting for a reply he slipped from the 
room and Eric heard his bare feet pattering rapidly 
down the stairs. 

Eric had become accustomed to the jargon of his 
Indian friend, and he judged that Hermanas had 


THE CONSPIRACY 


125 


gone forth to find some fellow tribesmen and a canoe 
for the night trip down the river. 

As he sat alone, waiting for Hermanas to return, 
it occurred to him to inquire of the proprietor as to 
the identity of the men who had occupied the adjoin- 
ing room and, rising, he hurried downstairs. But 
the black manager could give him no information. 
“The men were strangers,’ ’ he said, “gold diggers 
or prospectors, most likely,” — who had come down 
the Mazaruni in the afternoon and had engaged the 
room for a few hours only. They were not stopping 
there over night, had not registered, and he could 
not say where they were staying. One, he thought, 
was a colonial, the other an American, but he was 
not sure, — they might be Canadians. So many 
strangers came and went; and it wasn’t always wise 
to ask their names or business. 

As Eric, disappointed, turned to mount the stairs 
Hermanas appeared and whispered that all was in 
readiness and if Eric was willing they would start 
at once. 

The boys had little baggage, and it required but a 
few moments to pack their belongings. Then Her- 
manas uncoiled a light bush rope which he had con- 
cealed beneath his shirt and attached one end of this 
to the kit-bags. 


126 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


“What are you doing ?” asked Eric. 

“S’pose seeum go, mebbe watchum,” replied the 
Indian. Leaning from the window he uttered the 
low, quavering call of the goatsucker. An answer- 
ing cry came from the inky blackness below and 
Hermanns quickly lowered the bags and dropped 
the rope after it. 

“But we can’t leave without paying,” said Eric, 
who now realized that the wily Indian was taking 
precautions to evade suspicion, and intended slip- 
ping away secretly. 

“S’pose putum money in letter. Leaveum in 
room,” suggested Hermanas. Everything had hap- 
pened so rapidly and Eric’s head was in such a 
whirl that this simple expedient had not occurred to 
him. Acting on the hint, he slipped the amount due 
into an envelope, addressed it to the proprietor, and 
placed it conspicuously on the dressing case. 

Then, following his companion’s directions, Eric 
went downstairs, stopped a moment in the billiard 
room and engaged the manager in conversation 
while Hermanas, silently as a shadow, slipped past 
and out of doors, unseen by any one. Remarking 
that he was going for a stroll about the village, Eric 
followed, and a moment later joined the Indian in 
the yard. 


THE CONSPIRACY 


127 


It was a cloudy night and everything was wrapped 
in darkness so dense that Eric could see nothing, 
hut Hermanas seemed to possess the eyes of an 
owl, and quickly led the white boy towards the river 
side. 

A few whispered words in Arekuna assured Eric 
of the presence of several Indians, unseen hands 
guided him down a steep slope and into a boat, there 
was the soft splash of paddles and Eric felt, rather 
than saw, that they were afloat and moving rapidly 
into midstream. For a time only the slight grating 
of paddles on gunwale, the soft splash of water and 
the lap of waves broke the silence, but presently the 
Indians com m enced to talk among themselves. Then 
the rising moon broke through the clouds, a soft 
light revealed the river and the shores and Eric 
could distinguish the other occupants of the canoe. 
Hermanas was at the bow, behind him was a stal- 
wart Buck, a third man was seated behind Eric, and 
at the stern sat a fourth Indian grasping a huge 
steering paddle. 

Silvered by the rapidly increasing moonlight the 
further shores rose in a dim, gray bank above the 
river, and behind, — now fully half a mile distant, — a 
few twinkling lights against the dark forest marked 
Bartica. 


128 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


Onward across the great river sped the canoe, the 
lights of the village dwindled to mere pin points and 
disappeared, and close ahead rose the vast, inter- 
minable mass of jungle. In the shadow of the hank 
the canoe dropped downstream, it swept around a 
bend and an instant later was swallowed up in the 
wilderness as the lynx-eyed Indians drove it swiftly 
up a narrow creek. 

Never will Eric forget that trip by canoe through 
the midnight forest. On either hand rose walls of 
black, the Stygian stream twisted and turned like a 
huge, black serpent through the bush; and night 
birds cried, owls hooted and frogs croaked on every 
side. Myriads of fireflies flitted through the dank, 
moist air, startled labbas and capybaras snorted and 
splashed to safety as the canoe approached, and 
once two balls of green glared from an overhanging 
tree, and the awful, wailing scream of a jaguar sent 
cold shivers down the boy’s spine as the great cat 
sprang from its perch and crashed off through the 
thicket. 

How the boatmen found their way, how they 
avoided tacubas, how they escaped the drooping 
vines and threatening thorns that barred their pas- 
sage, was beyond Eric’s comprehension. It was 
wonderful enough to see Hermanas navigate the 


THE CONSPIRACY 


129 


creeks in daylight, but such was mere child’s play 
compared to traveling this forest waterway in dark- 
ness. But unerringly, unhesitatingly, the men pad- 
died on ; the steersman swinging around tacubas as 
if by instinct, the men crouching low, warning Eric, 
as the craft sped under trailing vines and limbs beset 
with six-inch thorns, and the canoe threading the 
labyrinth of streams, swamps and creeks as though 
signposts marked the way. 

For hour after hour they went on ; the moon rose 
high in the sky; the lily pads and mucka-mucka 
leaves gleamed like great silver platters against the 
shadows, and vines, trees and foliage loomed ghostly 
above the dark, mysterious banks. 

Suddenly the forest ended, great reeds and water 
plants lined the stream, and an instant later the ca- 
noe slipped forth from the creek and danced upon 
the waves of a broad river flowing like a stream of 
gleaming silver beneath the tropic moon. 

It was the Demerara, and by creeks and channels 
known only to the Indians, the canoe had slipped 
through the jungle from the Essequibo and the trip 
to Georgetown had been shortened by thirty miles. 


CHAPTER IX 
A RACE AGAINST TIME 

As the sun rose above the roofs and towers of 
Georgetown the next morning a light canoe, manned 
by four Indians, slipped up to the public landing at 
the foot of America Street. 

From it a tired, sleepy white boy arose and 
stepped stiffly up the stairs, and behind him trudged 
a young Arekuna, carrying two kit bags. 

The drowsy policeman on the pier glanced casu- 
ally at the couple, but there was nothing suspicious 
about the stranger from up river, and his Buck 
servant, and Eric and Hermanas passed on to Water 
Street and a nearby restaurant. 

Long before the river steamer left the dock at 
distant Bartica the two boys were speeding across 
the broad cane fields and savannas towards Berbice, 
and at the time the mysterious owner of the note 
landed at Georgetown, Eric and Hermanas were 
bargaining with a New Amsterdam boatman to 
carry them to the Indian’s “coolie man” acquaint- 
ance. 

J.30 


A RACE AGAINST TIME 


131 


Baboo Raj Sawh was a wealthy man, a “ Creole 
Hindu, ’ ’ or, in other words, an East Indian horn in 
Guiana, and like many of his race a keen business 
man, who did not believe in 6 ‘putting all his eggs in 
one basket,” figuratively speaking. He had shops 
in the capital and New Amsterdam; rice estates at 
Leguan and Abary; meat stalls in the market at 
Georgetown; a pawn shop where his fellow Hindus 
could secure ready cash for their barbaric jewelry; 
a cattle ranch on the Berbice River, and shingle 
grants on the Essequibo. 

Hermanas became acquainted with him at the lat- 
ter spot, and later lived at his place on the Berbice 
when Theophilus was engaged by the Baboo to do 
some lumbering. Of all his ventures the cattle 
ranch was Raj Sawh’s special pride and hobby, and, 
as Hermanas knew that his Hindu friend was always 
purchasing any cattle which he could obtain at bar- 
gain prices, the Baboo had at once occurred to him 
as a prospective buyer of the Ratura stock. 

Raj Sawh greeted Hermanas cordially and wel- 
comed Eric with dignified “ salaams,” professing to 
be highly honored by his visit and at once ordering 
refreshments served on the gallery. Eric was im- 
mensely taken by the white-robed Oriental and his 
courteous manners, and felt instinctively that in him 


132 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


he would find a friend in whom he could confide. 

He, therefore, told his story frankly to the Baboo, 
explained the necessity of securing six thousand 
dollars immediately, and offered to sell the cattle 
to obtain that sum. 

The Hindu listened attentively, nodded gravely 
once or twice to indicate he was following Eric’s 
narrative, and did not speak until the boy had fin- 
ished his tale. 

Then he smiled kindly, and his eyes twinkled. 
“ Gladly would I the cattle buy,” he declared, “even 
if you needed not the money so most urgently, but 
it is my custom never to buy that which my eyes 
have looked not upon. How shall I to know that the 
cattle have not sickness or not old and skinny are ? ’ 9 

Eric’s face fell. “But there’s no time ” he 

commenced. The Baboo raised his hand and inter- 
rupted him. “Permit me to finish, Sahib,” he said. 
“Most truly, it my custom is thus not to pay for 
that I have seen not yet, but I have lived among 
many men of many nations, and to judge men well 
I have learned. The eyes of the Sahib Marvin are 
straight, and his tongue speaks truly. One condi- 
tion only I make; it is thusly. The cattle are far 
away, much money will it take and much time to 
bring them. Ratura know I well, and food there for 


A RACE AGAINST TIME 


133 


the cattle is. Permit the cattle I buy at Ratura to 
remain, until such day as I desire, and two hundred 
I buy for fifty dollars each.” 

‘ ‘ That ’s splendid of you, ’ ’ cried Eric. c ‘ Of course, 
they can stay there till you send for them. We 
haven’t any use for the savanna, and there must be 
over three hundred head on the place. You can pick 
out any you want. Oh, I can’t begin to tell you how 
relieved I am.” 

Raj Sawh now brought paper and pen and asked 
Eric to make out a bill of sale with a clause per- 
mitting the cattle to remain at Ratura until the 
Baboo should send for them, and stating that no 
charge was to be made for pasturage. The paper 
was signed, witnessed, and stamped, and the Hindu 
handed Eric a check for ten thousand dollars, pay- 
able at the Colonial Bank at Georgetown. 

“Won’t those fellows be surprised when they find 
the note’s paid,” exclaimed the delighted boy, as he 
folded the check and placed it carefully in an inner 
pocket. 

“Ah,” said the Baboo, with a smile, “they will 
find that, as it is most truly said, there more man- 
ners than one of from a cat removing its skin are.” 

“That’s it,” assented Eric, striving to suppress 
his amusement at the Hindu’s quaint English. 


184 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


“They ’ll find the ‘kid’ isn’t such a helpless fool as 
they thought, — bnt the credit all belongs to Her- 
manas and yourself, Mr. Sawh. If Hermanas hadn’t 
suggested selling the cattle to you, I wouldn’t have 
known which way to turn, and, if you hadn’t trusted 
me and believed my story, I couldn’t have raised it 
on time. I don ’t know how we can ever show enough 
gratitude to both of you.” 

Raj Sawh spread his hands in a deprecatory ges- 
ture. “It is an honor to serve the Sahib Marvin,” 
he declared, adding, with a twinkle of his eye, “And 
good business, also. Truly, Hermanas has well 
served the Sahib. He a bright and faithful Buck 
boy is.” 

Now that the excitement was over, and Eric 
knew the note could be met, the strain of the past 
thirty-six hours began to tell and, despite his every 
effort, he could not suppress a yawn. 

The Hindu noticed it at once and insisted that the 
tired boys must take their much-needed rest imme- 
diately. It was too late to catch the train back to 
Georgetown that day and, as an early start must be 
made the following morning, in order to reach the 
bank before three o’clock, Eric was glad indeed to 
follow the Baboo’s suggestion and go to bed at once. 

He was aroused by a cat-footed coolie servant, and 


A RACE AGAINST TIME 135 

feeling vastly refreshed after his long nap he joined 
his host at dinner on the balcony. During the meal 
Raj Sawh offered to take the boys to New Amster- 
dam in his launch, explaining that a matter of busi- 
ness necessitated his going down the river, and Eric 
gratefully accepted, for the launch would save sev- 
eral hours 9 time and thus it would not he necessary 
to depart before dawn as had been planned. 

The sail down the river in the launch was a pleas- 
ant change indeed from the slow and clumsy row- 
boat which had brought the boys from New Amster- 
dam the day before, and Eric was in high spirits at 
the prospect of the successful termination of his 
trip. There was ample time in which to catch the 
train which was due in Georgetown before noon, and 
there seemed to be no reason why the money should 
not be in the bank several hours before closing time. 

But bitter disappointment was in store for Eric. 
When he reached the little station no train was 
waiting and the station master calmly informed 
them that the train had “ fallen down” the day be- 
fore, and that there was no possibility of reaching 
Georgetown before night. 

It was a terrible blow to Eric, who saw all his 
plans crumbling to bits and his strenuous efforts 
coming to naught through this new calamity. 


136 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


But lie had forgotten the Baboo, who now stepped 
forward with a ready solution for overcoming this 
seemingly insurmountable difficulty. 

He owned an automobile, he explained ; there was 
an excellent road to Georgetown, the run could eas- 
ily he made in five or six hours, the car was at Eric’s 
disposal and he, Baj Sawh, would he most happy 
to go along and see that the chauffeur made good 
time without driving recklessly. 

Eric jumped at the chance, — they would still best 
the plotters, — and within half an hour they were 
humming westward over the smooth, hard road 
towards Georgetown. 

Eric was delighted ; the morning air was cool and 
fresh, the road stretched like a great red ribbon 
across the flat green savannas, and the car ran 
beautifully. 

Acres of wondrous green marked broad rice 
fields, and as the car rushed by, immense flocks of 
ducks rose, wheeled, and filled the air with fright- 
ened calls, while great red-legged Heeri storks, slate- 
blue herons and roseate spoonbills flapped upward 
from the shallow water of the marshes. High in the 
clear blue sky great vultures sailed in vast circles 
on motionless pinions; bright-hued birds twittered 



The car rumbled over scores of tiny creeks 



Past the Victoria Law Courts 





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- 


A RACE AGAINST TIME 


137 


and sang in the wayside weeds ; masses of pale-blue 
water hyacinths and rose-colored lilies filled the 
ditches. Eric thought he had never enjoyed such a 
perfect ride. 

Across the Abary River the car sped on; it rum- 
bled over scores of tiny creeks; the horn honked 
through many a picturesque village, and here and 
there Eric caught glimpses of the sparkling sea. 
Mahaicony was passed, and beyond the flat savan- 
nas waving palms and the lofty chimneys of sugar 
mills appeared, houses and settlements became more 
frequent, and Mahaica was reached. More than 
half the distance to Georgetown now had been cov- 
ered, the car had made splendid time and all were 
in the highest spirits. Onward rushed the car ; mile 
after mile slipped by, until, rounding a turn, the car 
was stopped with a jerk and the occupants gazed 
speechless with surprise at what they saw. Before 
them stretched a vast expanse of water, a veritable 
lake, extending from the line of trees that marked 
the shore to the distant railway embankment. A 
few bushes and weeds broke its smooth surface, and 
submerged telegraph poles marked the line of the 
highway; but road, ditches, fences and bridges were 
nowhere to be seen. 

“What is it? What’s happened?” exclaimed 


138 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


Eric, as a colored man approached with a red flag 
tinder his arm. 

“De sea defenses bus* up ag’in, sail,” replied the 
negro. “Las’ night come spring tide an* strong 
win’, an’ w’en tide wash dis mamin* he flood de 
road, sah.” 

Eric had read accounts of the troubles with the 
dykes which held back the sea along the coast, but 
he had not dreamed that the water could break 
through and overflow roads and land to such extent. 

‘ ‘ Oh, can ’t we get through V 9 he cried. “We must 
get to Georgetown before three o’clock.” 

The road guard grinned. “I ’fraid yo* gwine to 
be a bit ’etarded, sah. De tide he farlin’ now, but 
yo’ boun’ to wait fo’ a co’ple hour mo’ fo’ de road 
to make bare, sah.” 

“It seems as if everything was against me,” ex- 
claimed Eric, his heart again sinking. “Even the 
sea had to break in and stop us from reaching 
Georgetown on time.” 

The kindly Baboo tried to reassure him, and ex- 
pressed his belief that they would still reach George- 
town before the bank closed, Jmt in his heart he was 
doubtful. But there was nothing to be done save 
wait, there was no other road, to walk was out of 
the question, — even if it were possible to follow the 


A RACE AGAINST TIME 


159 


curving road under the water, and Eric strove to be 
patient as the minutes dragged slowly on. 

Hermanas alighted from the car, cut several sticks 
and planted them in the roadway at the edge of the 
flood. In a few moments they were several inches 
from the water and by this all could see that the 
tide was really receding. Half an hour passed and 
grasses, weeds and the tops of fences appeared 
above the surface of the water. In an hour the 
banks beside the road were visible, and at the end 
of two long, weary hours the red muddy road was 
free of water above the flooded lands, and Raj Sawh 
ordered the chauffeur to proceed. 

But long immersion had transformed the burnt 
clay road to a mass of thick, tenacious mud ; the car 
sank deep within it and the wheels spun and slipped 
and scarce any headway could be made. It was 
dangerous, too, for here and there the highway had 
been undermined, large sections of the road had 
dropped away, and time and time again the ma- 
chine came perilously near to plunging off the road- 
way into the ditches. 

Fully a mile of this damaged road had to be 
traversed, and when at last the mud-bespattered car 
reached the hard, dry road beyond, three precious 
hours had been lost. Georgetown was still a dozen 


140 


'JUNGLE CHUMS 


miles distant and in less than half an hour the bank 
would close. 

To reach it in time seemed hopeless, and Eric re- 
signed himself to fate, and tried to comfort himself 
with the thought that he had done his best ; that no 
one could blame him for his failure, and that nature 
herself had joined with the conspirators to thwart 
him. 

But old Baboo Raj Sawh was a born sport, and 
an inherent gambler (when the chances seemed 
good), and the determination to win, despite all 
odds, was strong within him. The plucky attempt 
that Eric was making had appealed to him from the 
first, he had taken a great liking to the boy, and he 
was now as intent upon balking the plotters as was 
Eric himself. 

In a few words he instructed the chauffeur to 
make all speed until the city limits were reached, to 
use care not to be halted by the police after enter- 
ing the town, and to select the quickest route to the 
bank and then, turning to Eric, he remarked : 

“While life is, expectation there may be, as says 
the proverb. Of us none yet have lost life, thus 
why be despaired? In time yet may the bank be 
arrived at, Sahib Marvin/ ’ 

Despite Eric’s dejection, he oould not but smile 


A RACE AGAINST TIME 


141 


at the Hindu’s odd speech. As the car tore at break- 
neck speed through Plaisance and onward past the 
golf course, and as the lofty wireless towers and 
lighthouse of Georgetown loomed higher and higher 
above the palms, his depression took wings and his 
heart beat fast with the thrill of the mad race 
against time. 

Plodding coolies leaped aside and cursed the rush- 
ing car in Hindustani; ragged negroes scrambled 
from the roadway and bawled vague threats as the 
machine flashed by; sheep and cattle scurried from 
the highway at the screeching horn and roaring ex- 
haust and plodding donkey carts and other vehicles 
drew hastily to one side. 

But the speed could not endure for long, and at 
Kitty village the driver slackened his reckless pace 
and bowled through the village and past the botanic 
station and into Brickdam road at a speed within 
the limits of the law. It was now a question of min- 
utes ; then of seconds, and as the muddy, steaming 
car rolled down High Street and past the Victoria 
Law Courts the clock in the church tower struck the 
hour of three. 


CHAPTER X 


MORE TROUBLES 

“I’m afraid you’re a moment too late, Baboo,” 
remarked the smiling, benevolent-looking manager, 
as Raj Sawb and Eric leaped from the car and 
dashed into the bank. “It’s after three,” he con- 
tinued, “and business is over for the day. I’m very 
sorry, but you’ll have to wait until to-morrow. I 
judge you were delayed by the breach in the sea de- 
fenses.” 

Eric felt all had been in vain. On the morrow the 
conspirators would resort to the courts and all the 
money which was to have gone towards paying the 
note would be expended in long lawsuits. But as 
these dismal thoughts filled Eric’s mind his Hindu 
friend was rapidly explaining the whole affair to 
Mr. Bond, who, — banking hours over, — was not at 
all averse to listening to the Baboo, who was one of 
the largest of the bank’s depositors. 

“Yes, the note was presented,” Eric heard Mr. 
Bond say. “The holder, — a stranger to me, — gave 
142 


MORE TROUBLES 


143 


the name of Davison and, as the transfer of the 
note appeared quite correct, I had no reason to 
question it. He came in not more than ten minutes 
ago and inquired if the note had been met. I told 
him it had not, and he departed, stating he would 
bring suit at once. Pm afraid nothing can be done, 
my friend. Even if the money were offered now I 
could not accept it, — you see, the note is made pay- 
able through New York. I can only pay the amount 
to the holder here on receipt of cabled instructions. ,, 

At these words Eric had an inspiration and as the 
idea flashed upon him he threw his hat in air and 
uttered a shout which startled Raj Sawh and caused 
Mr. Bond to* think the boy had gone suddenly mad. 

“ Hurry up, Mr. Sawh,” cried the excited lad, “we 
can beat them yet. The banks won’t close in New 
York for an hour and a half. We can cable the 
money and get an order back. Won’t that fix it all 
right?” 

The Hindu looked puzzled, but Mr. Bond saw the 
point at once, although it had not occurred to him 
before. 

“To be sure,” he exclaimed. “Mr. Marvin is 
quite correct. There is a difference of about one 
hour and forty minutes between Georgetown and 
New York, and if you hurry you can doubtless send 


144 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


a cable and receive a reply before the closing of 
the New York bank.” 

Eric started for the door, but at the threshold 
stopped as a new thought occurred to him. “But 
we haven’t any cash,” he cried. “The cable people 
may not take a check.” 

“I’ll arrange that,” declared the bank manager, 
who was now thoroughly in sympathy with Eric. 
“Let me have the check and I’ll certify it, — even if 
’tis after hours.” 

Ten minutes later the cable had been sent and as 
Eric and Baj Sawh were awaiting the reply at the 
cable office Mr. Bond entered. 

“I’m anxious to see you best that pack of ras- 
cals,” he exclaimed; “and I’m going to do all I can 
to aid you. As soon as the receipt arrives I’ll send 
a message to Davison notifying him that the note 
was met on time at New York. I don’t think he’ll 
do anything in the way of bringing suit before morn- 
ing. He’ll realize he’s been beaten; but I would 
suggest seeing your attorney, Mr. Marvin. Tell 
him the facts and he can stop any suit which may be 
brought. ’ ’ 

As Mr. Bond finished speaking, the operator 
handed Eric a message, but as the boy glanced at 
it he seemed puzzled. “I can’t make head or tail 



The Colonial Bank in Georgetown, British Guiana 










































































MORE TROUBLES 


145 


of this,” he declared, handing the slip of paper to 
Mr. Bond. “It’s all a meaningless jumble, — what 
does ‘ Western Union ’ at the beginning mean!” 

“It’s sent in Western Union code,” explained Mr. 
Bond. “We’ll soon decipher it.” Seizing a code 
book he rapidly ran over the pages, checking off 
the words in the cable and jotting down their mean- 
ings on a sheet of paper. 

“Here it is,” he announced presently: 

“Ten thousand dollars, account Van Pelt note, received. 
Credit cabled Colonial Bank, Demerara. McIntosh, Colonial 
Bank of London, New York branch.” 

Eric drew a long breath of relief. “Thank good- 
ness that’s done,” he exclaimed. “I can’t thank 
you enough, Mr. Bond,” he continued. “I seem to 
find friends everywhere.” 

“Don’t mention it,” cried the other, beaming un- 
til his ruddy face and bald head fairly shone. “I’m 
off to Davison’s boarding place to tell him what I 
think of him, and to notify him his game didn ’t work. 
I couldn’t sacrifice that pleasure by sending a mes- 
senger.” Hurrying briskly from the office, Mr. 
Bond jumped into his waiting motor car and dis- 
appeared down the street. 

“Let’s go and see Mr. Prince now,” suggested 
Eric; “Mr. Bond seemed to think it a wise plan.” 


146 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


Raj Sawh was heartily in accord with the sugges- 
tion and a few moments later his car drew up before 
the law courts, and Eric and the Baboo climbed the 
iron stairway to the solicitor’s office. 

Mr. Prince, — Crown solicitor and attorney for in- 
numerable firms with holdings in the colony, — was 
not an emotional man, and his real feelings were 
carefully concealed behind a heavy grizzled beard 
and a pair of thick glasses, but as he heard Eric’s 
tale he became intensely interested and uttered fre- 
quent exclamations of surprise. 

‘ 1 You’ve certainly exhibited remarkable resource- 
fulness and keen business ability,” he declared as 
Eric finished his story. “Your dashing American 
method of 4 taking the bull by the horns, ’ so to speak, 
and riding rough-shod over every obstacle simply 
takes my breath away. I have no wish to belittle 
your efforts in the least or to underrate the jeop- 
ardy in which your affairs were placed, but I ques- 
tion if any serious results would have followed, 
even if the note had not been met to-day. Doubtless 
Davison might have brought suit, but legally he 
could not proceed until he had actually presented 
the note in New York. As a matter of convenience 
notes are often made out in this manner and are pre- 
sented and paid here through cabled instructions to 


MORE TROUBLES 


147 


the bank, but in order to take legal action snch a 
note must be presented at the place at which it is 
made payable. I do not know whether your father 
intentionally made this note payable at New York or 
whether it merely happened that he had a blank note 
on which New York was printed and which was left 
as the place of payment through an oversight. In 
either event it was most fortunate for you, and any 
move that Davison may have contemplated has been 
forestalled by your activity and foresight. You did 
perfectly right in assuming no risks, Mr. Marvin, 
and I congratulate you on the successful termination 
of your efforts.” 

“Who do you suppose the fellows are and why 
are they so anxious to secure Batura?” asked Eric. 

“I shall make every effort to solve those mys- 
teries,” declared the attorney. “There must be 
some valuable mineral or other resource on the es- 
tate and of which we have no knowledge. No doubt 
Leggett was aware of it, and sought the aid of others 
to further his schemes, — he was quite impecunious, 
I imagine.” 

“Well, I suppose there’s nothing we can do, even 
if we find who the fellows are,” said Eric. 

“Not unless we can place our hands on Leggett 
and secure his arrest,” replied Mr. Prince. “No 


148 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


doubt he would divulge the whole plot if he were ap- 
prehended, — men of his type usually do so, — but 
as regards the others I cannot see that they have 
violated any law up to the present time.” 

As Mr. Marvin would arrive on Sunday, Eric 
decided to remain in town to meet his father, and 
gladly accepted Raj Sawh’s invitation to stay at 
his house in the meantime. 

Despite every effort, Mr. Prince could discover 
nothing of importance regarding the man Davison 
and his associates. He learned that the fellow was 
a stranger who claimed to be an American, that he 
had been in the colony for several months, having 
arrived on a steamer from Paramaribo, and that he 
had been a frequent visitor at Ratura while Leg- 
gett was in charge. He had received the money in 
payment of the note without comment, had not en- 
deavored to institute suit against Mr. Marvin or 
the company, and had departed on the Friday boat 
for Dutch Guiana. 

Leggett’s whereabouts were still unknown, and 
the police, being firmly convinced that he had fled 
across the border to Venezuela or Brazil, had ceased 
to searcji for him. 

Mr. Marvin was justly proud of Eric’s exploit, 
and was vastly pleased to find that his son could be 


MORE TROUBLES 


149 


depended upon when thrown upon his own resources 
in such an emergency as had occurred. To Raj 
Sawh he expressed his deepest gratitude for the kid 
he had rendered, while Hermanns was presented 
with a fine double-barreled gun and an abundance 
of ammunition as a token of appreciation for the 
part he had played. 

Both Eric and his father insisted that the Baboo 
must accompany them and visit Ratura, and the 
Hindu, who had become deeply interested in their 
affairs and was also anxious to see his newly-ac- 
quired cattle, readily consented to the plan. 

When the party reached Ratura they found a 
crowd of negro laborers gathered before the house, 
their sullen looks and excited voices plainly indi- 
cating serious trouble of some sort. 

“What’s the matter, why aren’t the men at 
work?” demanded Mr. Marvin, as the overseer ap- 
proached with worried face. 

“There’s trouble a-plenty, Mr. Marvin,” replied 
the man. “Las’ night the dryin’ sheds burn down 
and all the cocoa los’.” 

Mr. Marvin gasped: “The cocoa and sheds gone!” 
he exclaimed in amazement. “How did such a catas- 
trophe happen, — who’s responsible?” 

The overseer shook his head. “I can’t say, sir,” 


150 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


he replied, “it’s mos’ mysterious. Two, three time 
it catch fire since Mr. Eric left, sir, and each occa- 
sion when it raining hard. No one was near, an’ I 
can’t accoun’ for it at all, sir. The men say as it’s 
Obeah, Mr. Marvin, and they won’t work, they all 
refuse, and say as how they deman’ to be paid off 
and leave. They jes’ awaitin’ on you’ cornin’, Mr. 
Marvin. I try to reason with them and tell how 
foolish they is, sir, but it’s no use in the leas’; all 
the black men boun’ to go, sir.” 

4 4 What utter nonsense, ’ ’ cried Mr. Marvin. 4 4 How 
can the place be Obeahed? Why, these men have 
worked here right along, — they’re well paid, and if 
they had any cause for complaint they know I’d 
listen to it, without getting up such an absurd ex- 
cuse. Surely they can’t believe the fire was super- 
natural. ’ ’ 

“I can’t say ds to that, sir,” replied the overseer. 
44 They’ve had no complaint to make, Mr. Marvin, 
an ’ they say as how they sorry to leave you, sir. I 
no believer in Obeah or witchcraft or such humbug- 
gin’, but I a bit trouble’ over the fire myself, Mr. 
Marvin. You see, the flame jus’ burn up as if the 
rain light the roof of the shed, sir. Then some of 
the men foun’ bones an’ red rags tie’ to the trees 
about the place an’ half a dead cat under the ranges. 


MORE TROUBLES 


151 


They say as how that means seven years’ trouble, 
Mr. Marvin. They’s a silly lot, but they don’t work 
when the Obeah man been about, and he’s put his 
marks on this place beyon’ doubt, sir.” 

While the man had been speaking Mr. Marvin had 
been thinking rapidly. “I’ll wager Leggett or some 
of his friends are at the bottom of this outrageous 
affair,” he declared. “There’s no witchcraft and 
nothing supernatural about it. The fire was caused 
by chemicals, — there are many substances that burst 
into flames when wet, — and the rags, bones and cat 
were left merely to frighten the men and cause them 
to think Obeah was at work. It’s a dastardly at- 
tempt to cripple me and cause trouble and expense. ’ ’ 

“No doubt, sir, ’ ’ agreed the overseer. “I’m quite 
prepared to remain here, Mr. Marvin, and the cool- 
ies will stay; they’re Mohammedans and Hindus, an’ 
don’ fear Obeah. Perhaps you can induce the others 
to remain, sir.” 

But argument, explanations and ridicule were of 
no avail, the ignorant, superstitious blacks were con- 
vinced that the dreaded Obeah man or Witchdoctor 
was about, that the place was accursed, and that to 
disregard the warnings would result in disaster to 
themselves. To a man, they demanded the wages 
due, so that they could leave at once. 


152 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


Raj Sawh had remained silent, but now he spoke. 
“To permit them to depart will most wisest be,” he 
said. “They most stupid are, but with such brains 
of foolishness are they created. Gladly will I Hin- 
dus send you to labor in the places of these, for, as 
the driver-man most truly says, the Hindu pos- 
sesses not of Obeah the afraidness.” 

“That’s most kind of you, to help me out of this 
difficulty,” declared Mr. Marvin. “You’re certain- 
ly a friend in need. I regret I did not secure coolie 
labor in the beginning, — I’m thoroughly disgusted 
with these men. Luckily, we have enough hands 
left so that all work need not cease while we are 
awaiting the new laborers.” 

Addressing the overseer, he said, “Tell the men 
I’ll make up the payroll at once and give them their 
money, — they can go back in the boats in which we 
arrived.” 

Half an hour later the last of the frightened crowd 
of blacks had departed, and Mr. Marvin, accom- 
panied by Eric, Raj Sawh and the overseer, set forth 
to examine the damage caused by the mysterious 
conflagration. 

“I wonder what’s become of Hermanns re- 
marked Eric, who suddenly noticed that the Indian 
had disappeared. 


MORE TROUBLES 


158 


“He ran off a-carryin’ his gnn, sir,” replied the 
overseer. “I expect he gone to the bnsh to try to 
shoot somethin’ for dinner, Mr. Eric.” Scarcely 
had he finished speaking when the distant report of 
a gun was heard. 

“I guess you’re right,” agreed Eric. “He was 
awfully anxious to try his new gun.” 

They had now reached the cocoa sheds, which lay 
in a heap of blackened ruins, while all about were 
scattered the charred hags and half -burned beans. 
Fully a thousand dollars’ worth of property had 
been destroyed, and the entire crop of cocoa had 
been lost, for Mr. Marvin had been holding the beans 
for a rise in the market. 

It was a serious loss, and Eric took it to heart 
more than any one else, for the cocoa was his special 
pride, and now all his care and the labor of many 
weeks had been brought to naught by the incendiary. 
Raj Sawh quite agreed with Mr. Marvin’s convic- 
tion that Leggett or his friends had caused the fire, 
and while they were discussing the matter Her- 
manas arrived. 

“What did you shoot at?” asked Eric, who saw 
that the Indian had no game. 

“Me shootum man,” was the surprising reply. 

“You shot a man!” exclaimed Mr. Marvin. 


154 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


“What do you mean, Hermanas? Did you kill some 
one? Surely the rascal’s not around here.” 

“Me tellum shootum, all same,” declared the In- 
dian. “Seeum track makeum walk for hush. Make 
follow like huntum labba same way. Seeum man 
make walk for creek in canoe. Shootum like so, but 
no hitum. S’pose have blowgun me killum, sure.” 

The others listened, astounded. There could be 
no doubt that a stranger had been in the vicinity, 
that Hermanas had trailed him to the creek and that 
the fellow had escaped in a canoe. 

“I’ll bet he don’t come back in a hurry,” ex- 
claimed Eric. “Too bad you didn’t pepper him, 
though. Where did you find his tracks?” 

Hermanas led them to the rear of the burned 
sheds and pointed to the soft earth. Among the 
imprints of many bare feet were several marks of 
heavy-soled boots. No one on the estate wore boots 
save Mr. Marvin, Eric and the overseer ; the tracks 
had evidently been made very recently, and as they 
were quite different from those made by the over- 
seer’s shoes, all were convinced that Leggett or one 
of his friends had prowled about the place. 

“I don’t believe he’ll come near while we are on 
hand,” remarked Mr. Marvin. “Hereafter, one of 
us must remain at the estate constantly, or the fel- 


MORE TROUBLES 


155 


low may destroy more property while we are absent. 
I shall certainly take out an insurance policy at once 
to protect the company against any further loss.” 

Nothing more could be done, and the party soon 
returned to the house, where dinner was awaiting 
them, and throughout the meal and during the even- 
ing the conversation was mainly of Leggett, the con- 
spiracy and plans for the future. 

Raj Sawh was to remain on the estate for some 
time, for he had sent a note to Georgetown, instruct- 
ing his manager to secure the necessary Hindus for 
Ratura, and he kindly offered to wait until the 
new men arrived, when he would address them in 
Hindustani, — a procedure which he modestly ad- 
mitted would no doubt influence their subsequent 
behavior. 

In the meantime the Baboo looked over the estate, 
and he congratulated Mr. Marvin on what had been 
accomplished, and suggested many things which 
could be done to make the crops more remunerative. 
He also inspected the cattle, seemed greatly pleased 
with them, and jokingly told Eric that he felt really 
grateful to Davison, who had indirectly helped him 
to secure such a bargain. 

In due time the coolies arrived, and the next day 
the Baboo announced his intention of departing on 


156 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


the morrow. Mr. Marvin was anxious to go to 
Georgetown, also, but he disliked leaving Eric alone 
on the estate, for the fear that Leggett might return 
was constantly in his mind. He felt it was essential 
to take out an insurance on the property at once, 
however, and as Eric declared he was not the least 
bit nervous, and was quite able to look after himself 
and the estate as well, his father decided to accom- 
pany Raj Sawh to town. The new coolies worked 
well, the overseer spoke their tongue and seemed 
able to handle them without trouble, and Eric found 
little work to do. 

Remembering Mr. Prince’s theory as to why Da- 
vison and his fellows wanted Ratura, Eric deter- 
mined to search the estate thoroughly and, in com- 
pany with Hermanas, he wandered about, examining 
the earth and rocks. The Indian had once been to 
the gold diggings on the upper Cuyuni, and bad 
often seen the “pork knockers ’ ’* hunting for the 
precious metal. With an old tin pan he showed Eric 
how they worked, and the two boys spent hours 
“panning” the sand in the beds of the Ratura 
streams. Eric had never seen this done, and was 
fascinated by the way in which the fine mud and 
sand disappeared as the pan was whirled about, un- 

* Native gold diggers who wash out gold in a small way. 


MORE TROUBLES 


157 


til only some coarse gravel and a few pebbles re- 
mained. Many of tbe pebbles tbns revealed were 
delicately tinted and semi-transparent, and Eric, at- 
tracted by tbeir oddity and beauty, saved several 
and placed them in a box among his other curios. 
But not a trace of “color” rewarded the boys’ ef- 
forts, and Eric was soon convinced that no gold 
existed on the estate, or that if it was there he could 
not discover it. 

The day before Mr. Marvin was expected to re- 
turn Hermanas asked permission to visit his home 
and spend the night with his people. He was crazy 
to exhibit his new gun to his fellow Indians, and 
Eric readily gave his consent. 

It was the first time that Eric was alone in the 
house at Ratura, but he was not in the least nervous 
or lonely and, dinner over, he settled himself in an 
easy chair and prepared to spend a pleasant evening 
with an interesting book. 


CHAPTER XI 


KIDNAPED 

The house servants had finished their tasks and 
had retired to the quarters, the last sounds of song 
and laughter had died away in the coolie ranges, and 
Ratura lay silent in the tropic night. The soft river 
breeze rustled the palm fronds and swept cool and 
refreshing through the bungalow, and from the open 
doors and windows of the living room broad beams 
of light streamed forth and threw a golden glow 
upon the wide gallery and the flowering vines out- 
side. 

Under the hanging lamp in the spacious room sat 
Eric Marvin, buried in his favorite book, oblivious 
to all else, and unconscious of the danger lurking 
close at hand. 

Within the black shadows of the shrubbery 
crouched two dark forms. Slowly, cautiously, they 
crept forth, avoiding the patches of light that 
flecked the path, until the steps leading to the gallery 
were gained. Like savage beasts stalking their prey 
158 


KIDNAPED 


159 


they stole, inch by inch, up the stairs, and like great 
black serpents they slipped across the gallery 
towards the open door. Noiselessly they rose, — one 
on each side of the portal, — wild, savage figures, 
with fierce, bloodshot eyes, carefully gauging the 
distance between them and the unsuspecting boy. 
Then, lithe and swift as tigers, they leaped upon 
their victim. 

So sudden and unexpected was their attack, so 
sure and swift their spring, that Eric uttered no cry, 
no sound. One moment he was reading beneath the 
brilliant light, the next he was half suffocated, 
blinded and enveloped in inky blackness as a heavy 
cloth descended and wrapped his head and shoulders 
in its folds. He strove to struggle, to kick, to free 
himself, but he was pinioned fast in the iron grip 
of gigantic black arms, and was as helpless as if 
within the coils of a huge serpent. He felt himself 
lifted from his chair, he was borne swiftly across 
the room, and he knew he was being carried down 
the gallery stairs. 

Eric was terribly frightened; he knew not who his 
assailants were or their purpose in capturing him, 
and he was filled with terror at what might be in 
store. The cloth wrapped tightly about his head 
kept all sounds from his ears ; not a word was spoken 


160 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


by bis captors as be was borne rapidly onward, and 
be could not even guess in wbicb direction they were 
moving. 

Presently be was placed upon some bard surface, 
ropes were tied about bis wrists and ankles, and by 
tbe unsteady motion of bis resting place be realized 
be was in a boat. Now and then, through tbe suffo- 
cating folds of cloth, he beard the rattle of paddles 
on gunwale, and once or twice be felt, rather than 
beard, rocks or tacubas bumping and grating along 
tbe bottom of the craft beneath him. His bead 
swam and ached, bis breath came in gasps and with 
an effort, bis heart thumped and pounded, bis veins 
seemed bursting, bis ears roared and be knew that 
be was smothering, — dying a terrible, lingering 
death. 

With all bis failing strength be strove to cry out, 
to scream, — anything to relieve this awful torture, 
to cause bis inhuman captors to kill him quickly or 
to give him air, but be was pitifully weak, and be 
realized that all attempts to make an audible sound 
were hopeless. Then the boat grated upon tbe 
shore, some one raised him to a sitting posture, and 
tbe cloth was snatched from bis bead. 

With a great gasp of relief be once more felt tbe 
fresh night air fill bis lungs, and be gulped it down 


KIDNAPED 


161 


in deep, long breaths. How good it was, how little 
had he appreciated it before. New life coursed 
through him, and in the mighty relief of his suffer- 
ings his fear left him, and he all but forgot that he 
was still a bound and helpless captive, destined for 
some unknown fate. 

Eric glanced about ; it was very dark, but the stars 
shone brightly, and by their faint light he could see 
that there were six men in the canoe, which had been 
drawn upon the shore of a small rocky island in the 
center of a broad river. In the darkness the fea- 
tures of the men were not distinguishable, and Eric 
could only see that they were black, that they ap- 
peared to be naked, and that they wore no coverings 
upon their heads. Now and then he caught the glint 
of metal as the fellows moved about, and he heard 
them speaking in a language utterly unknown to 
him. He was sure they were not Indians, — they 
were too dark-skinned and too large for Bucks, — he 
could not believe them to be negroes, for they seemed 
too wild and savage and spoke a strange tongue, and 
he racked his brains in a vain attempt to solve the 
mystery of their identity. 

He wondered why these strangers had seized him 
and carried him away from Ratura, where they were 
taking him, and what was to be done to him and, 


162 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


finally, mustering up all his courage, he addressed 
them, first in English, then in the jargon Hermanas 
used, and finally in the few words of Arekuna he 
had learned. But no reply was made to his inquir- 
ies, his captors laughed and chuckled at his anxious 
tones, and realizing that they either did not under- 
stand, or would not answer, Eric relapsed into 
silence. 

Presently the canoe was shoved from the shore, 
the men grasped their paddles, and with long, pow- 
erful strokes the craft was forced rapidly onward 
through the night. 

Hour after hour passed, mile after mile was left 
behind, and as the coming dawn brightened the east- 
ern sky Eric knew that they were headed southward. 

Rapidly the darkness fled before the rising sun, 
and Eric now saw his captors plainly for the first 
time. As the six men were revealed to him he could 
scarce believe his eyes, could scarce convince him- 
self that it was not all some terrible vivid nightmare. 
Surely these wild, strange beings in the canoe could 
not be real, could not belong in Guiana, — they sa- 
vored more of African wilds and cannibal feasts. 

Black as ebony, gigantic in stature and naked save 
for loin cloths, they were splendid specimens of men. 
Upon their knotted, muscular arms and legs were 



A Bush Negro with kinky hair braided into pigtails 








. 

■ 

















































































































. 

































X 














•- 

































KIDNAPED 


163 


wrapped coil after coil of bright brass and copper 
wire; their short, kinky hair was braided into in- 
numerable tufts and pigtails ; their teeth were filed 
to sharp points, and their fierce, wild faces were 
made hideous by great scars or welts filled with 
colored pigment. 

Eric had never seen anything like them, he had 
never read descriptions or viewed pictures of such 
men, and he wondered if he was not suffering from 
some strange hallucination, some disorder of the 
brain brought on by the fright and suffering he had 
undergone. 

But whoever they were, his strange captors did 
not intend that he should die of thirst or hunger, and 
presently they ran the light canoe ashore, lit a fire, 
and soon were roasting a joint of meat and several 
yams over the coals. Without a word being ad- 
dressed to him Eric was given food and a cup of 
strong hot coffee and then, the meal over, the trip 
was resumed. 

An hour passed by, the canoe slipped between 
scores of little rock-bound islets, great masses of 
strangely-worn, grotesque-shaped stones jutted up- 
ward from the water, there was an odd exhilarating 
feeling in the air, and Eric noticed that the canoe 
was being forced against a strong current. He had 


164 * 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


no idea where he was, which river they were travers- 
ing or how great a distance had been covered since 
they left Ratura. Then a dull, subdued roar was 
borne to his ears; it grew louder and louder, and 
Eric, gazing ahead, saw a wall of tumbling, rushing 
white water stretching across the stream from shore 
to shore. Instantly it dawned upon him that they 
had reached the falls, that before them were the 
foaming rapids of the upper river, and that civiliza- 
tion, friends, father and help had been left miles and 
miles astern. 

But he had little time for such dismal thoughts; 
already the canoe was bobbing and leaping to the 
eddying, racing water at the foot of the falls, and an 
instant later it was run close to a jutting rock and 
then some of the men sprang lightly ashore. Rap- 
idly two long, light ropes were uncoiled, and one 
was attached to the boat’s bow, the other to the 
stern. Seizing the bow line two of the men leaped 
into the boiling water and waded and swam to a 
ledge of rocks further upstream, while the one re- 
maining on the shore secured a firm grip of the 
stern line. In the canoe one man stood at the bow, 
a huge paddle grasped firmly in his muscular hands, 
while at the stern stood another, with a great steer- 
ing paddle in his grasp. Then at a shout from the 


KIDNAPED 


165 


bowman, the men ahead strained at the rope, the 
other hauled on the stern line, the bowman paddled 
furiously, the steersman swung the stern this way 
and that. Loud roared the churning water against 
the boat’s bow, higher and higher it seethed about 
the sides, as the men strained and tugged at the 
lines, exerting all their gigantic strength. For an 
instant the boat remained stationary, and then, with 
a lurch and a rush, it tore forward ; human strength 
and skill conquered the power of the stream and a 
moment later the canoe floated safely upon a tran- 
quil backwater above the falls. 

In the excitement of the few tense moments Eric 
had forgotten his own troubles, his heart beat fast 
with the thrill of the battle with the stream, and he 
cheered lustily when the savage blacks won. 

For an instant the fellows looked at him in amaze- 
ment, then they broke into hearty laughter, one of 
them clapped Eric good-naturedly on the back, and 
after a few words in their odd tongue they unloos- 
ened the ropes which bound his hands. 

Eric began to think that after all they were not 
so bloodthirsty and wild as he had thought from 
their appearance, and he began to wonder if it was 
not all some mad prank on the part of half-drunken 
negroes. But this theory was instantly rejected, 


166 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


for the men were perfectly sober, no one would 
dream of carrying a joke so far, and no civilized 
man, white, black or brown, would have the hideous 
tattooing and the sharply-filed teeth of these strange 
beings. Then the memory of what the overseer had 
said about Obeah occurred to Eric. He knew noth- 
ing about Obeah, he had not the least idea what an 
Obeah man was like, but in a vague way he had 
heard of the strange form of witchcraft and it 
seemed to him that his captors might well be Obeah 
men. Certainly they were wild and weird enough, 
and the more he thought about the matter the more 
firmly he became convinced that he had been kid- 
naped by the Obeah men, and that Leggett was re- 
sponsible for his predicament. 

Meanwhile the canoe was being driven through 
the swift current, following crooked passages among 
the rocks, while all about the roaring water tore like 
a mill-race between the ledges. Then another fall 
was reached ; once more the men hauled and strained 
at the ropes while buried to their shoulders in the 
torrent, and again smooth water was safely gained 
above the cataract. 

A score of times the frail craft was seized by the 
current and despite every effort of the men was 
swung broadside to the swirling waters and carried 


KIDNAPED 


167 


upon submerged rocks, where it hung as on a pivot. 
Each time Eric thought would be the last, each time 
he expected the canoe to capsize and to feel the 
waters closing above his head, but every time the 
men sprang instantly into the river, and half swim- 
ming, half wading, lifted the boat from the rocks 
and guided it into a safe channel. 

Eric was amazed at the marvelous skill of the 
men, he was exhilarated with the excitement, and 
he tingled at the constantly recurring hair-breadth 
escapes from being dashed on the rocks. 

As mile after mile of rapids were traversed, as 
innumerable falls and cataracts were safely passed, 
his interest waned, he became accustomed to the 
ever-present dangers, and the men’s remarkable 
skill, and he wondered if the rapids would ever come 
to an end. 

He had been under a fearful strain, he had suf- 
fered much, he had not slept, and he longed for rest 
and a chance to sleep. Nothing else seemed to mat- 
ter, his brain was benumbed, he could not concen- 
trate his thoughts and whither he was going or what 
his fate would be had ceased to trouble him. 

By mid-forenoon the last falls were passed, a 
broad, smooth stretch of river lay ahead and, turn- 
ing to one side, the men ran their craft close to 


168 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


shore and presently passed through a screen of 
foliage and entered a tiny, hidden creek. 

Here, safe from the sight of any passing boat, a 
shelter of palm leaves was built, hammocks were 
slung and camp was made, and the men prepared to 
spend the remainder of the day. Eric was given a 
hammock, and flinging himself into it instantly he 
dropped to sleep. 

Late in the afternoon he was aroused by one of 
the men, and was given a hearty meal of fish, yams 
and game, and as darkness fell the hammocks were 
rolled and stowed in the boat, the fires were extin- 
guished and once more the canoe slipped out from 
its hiding place and was headed up the river. 

The men now began to talk to Eric, — to ask him 
questions, he judged by their tones, — but not a word 
of their uncouth jargon could he understand, and 
finally pillowing his head on the hammocks, he fell 
asleep. The sun was just rising when he awoke, 
and the canoe was threading its way up a narrow 
creek, and soon afterward the men again went into 
camp for the day. 

For a week and more the trip up river continued, 
the men traveling by night and camping by day, 
and Eric lost all sense of direction, all idea of where 
they were. Several times the main stream had been 


KIDNAPED 


169 


abandoned and branches followed; for many honrs 
forest-lined creeks had been navigated until the 
canoe had come forth upon other large streams, 
while falls and rapids innumerable had been 
traversed. 

Gradually the character of the country had 
changed. Rounded forest-clad hills had taken the 
place of the low, flat lands, and beyond these could 
be seen the loftier mountains. The thick jungle had 
been succeeded by more open forests of great trees, 
and in many places the earth beneath these was 
flooded and the canoe was paddled for mile after mile 
through the dim forest. On all the trip no human 
beings had been seen, not a boat met. Sometimes, 
in the dead of night, Eric heard the barking of 
dogs and knew an Indian village was being passed ; 
or the distant glow of fires told him that camps of 
fellow human beings were near at hand. But his 
captors took no chances, and kept as far from such 
signs of mankind as possible, and skirting the op- 
posite shores crept silently by in the shadows, while 
the fact that they traveled only at night reduced 
the chances of meeting boats to a minimum. Once 
or twice Eric had thought of shrieking for help as 
camps or villages were passed, but he realized that 
any such action might result in swift and awful 


170 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


death or that the suffocating cloth might once more 
be wrapped about his head. 

After the eighth night no signs of either camps 
or villages were seen or heard, only the vast forest 
stretched on every hand, and the men, seeming to 
know that they had reached the very heart of the 
primeval, uninhabited wilderness, went boldly on by 
daylight. 

Two days later the forest began to recede from 
the river’s banks; soon great areas of waving grass 
appeared, and on the twelfth day Eric looked upon 
wide savannas stretching like a sea of green to the 
cloud-like mountains on the horizon. 

Through it the river wound in great, sinuous 
curves, and innumerable creeks led from the main 
river into the waving grass. Entering one of these 
the canoe pressed onward, swept by the rustling 
grass that rose for a dozen feet on either side and 
startled great flocks of water fowl from their 
haunts amid the reeds and lilies. Narrower and 
narrower became the creek and only the practiced 
eyes of the men could distinguish the channels, that 
choked with grass and weeds, seemed but a part of 
the savanna itself. Suddenly the canoe slipped from 
the weeds and shot forth upon the surface of a great 
lake, its further shores but dimly visible in the dis- 



A broad smooth stretch of river lay ahead 



Great areas of long grass appeared 



















































































































































































. 







































KIDNAPED 


171 


tance. Following close to the shore the men paddled 
for an hour or more and, as they proceeded, Eric 
noticed that the ground rose higher and higher, that 
the grass became shorter and that shrubs, low 
bushes and clumps of trees grew here and there. 
Rapidly these increased in number, the grassy sa- 
vanna receded, and by the next afternoon the canoe 
was once more within the forest and moving swiftly 
along a narrow creek, with the great lake and the 
savanna-lands far behind. Presently Eric realized 
that they were traveling downstream with the cur- 
rent, while hitherto they had been ever traveling 
against it, and it dawned upon him that they were 
following the outlet of the lake and must be headed 
back towards the coast. 

At nightfall camp was made upon a low, sandy 
knoll, covered with great trees, and when the fol- 
lowing day dawned Eric was greatly surprised to 
find that the men showed no signs of continuing on 
their way. Instead, they commenced felling trees 
and cutting palm leaves, and soon Eric discovered 
that they were preparing to build a large benab. 
He was consumed with curiosity to know what this 
meant, — if the men intended to remain here perma- 
nently, — and he tried to question his captors, but to 
no purpose, for they shook their heads, professing 


m 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


not to understand, and continued diligently at tlie 
labors. By sundown the big shed-like bouse was 
complete, but tbe men did not occupy it, contenting 
themselves with tbe shelter of their rude camp, and 
adding to Eric’s perplexity by this behavior and by 
the fact that throughout the night they kept a huge 
fire burning so brightly that it illuminated the for- 
est for many yards and cast a deep ruddy glow 
upon the sky. 

The following day they still remained in camp, 
one of them going forth with bow and arrows and 
returning with a labba and two powis. All through 
the day the men seemed happy and in good spirits, 
laughing, joking and singing weird songs, the while 
drinking copiously from a demijohn of liquor in the 
canoe. Eric feared that their savage passions would 
be aroused by the drink, that their good-natured 
frolic would become a mad orgy, and that he would 
be made a victim of some horrible cannibal feast, 
for only by such a theory could he account for the 
big benab, the great blazing fire and the dances and 
songs with which his captors were celebrating the 
occasion. 

But his fears were groundless ; the men refrained 
from over-indulgence and soon after nightfall all 
went quietly to their hammocks, save one who at- 


KIDNAPED 


173 


tended to the big fire, and, greatly relieved, Eric at 
last fell into a troubled sleep. 

He awoke with a start as a frenzied scream of 
agony and fear reverberated through the forest. 
Filled with mortal terror at the awful cry, be sprang 
from bis hammock and gazed transfixed at the sight 
which met his uncomprehending eyes. Beside the 
fire one of the men was writhing in agony, clutching 
wildly at his neck and screaming, while all about 
the others were running, first one way, then an- 
other, chattering and yelling and beset with some 
awful fear. One darted towards the river and 
the boat, hut before he covered a dozen steps he 
threw up his hands, stumbled forward and fell 
shrieking into the stream. At the sight the others 
turned and rushed back towards the forest, but 
again one uttered that awful cry and rolled upon 
the earth. The three remaining now cowered 
trembling for an instant, and then a slender 
tufted object appeared to spring as by magic from 
the chest of one, and at his scream the others fled 
madly towards the canoe, stumbling across the 
corpses of their fellows as they ran. The foremost 
fell just as the boat was reached, but the other 
leaped in, cast loose the painter and shoved the 
canoe from shore, only to fall back in his death 


174 # 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


throes as another dart buried itself in his back. 

It was all so sudden, so amazing, so like a night- 
mare, that Eric stood riveted to the spot. Dimly he 
realized that the men had fallen victims to the aw- 
ful Wurali-tipped darts of an Indian’s blowgun, but 
not a sound betrayed the presence of an enemy, and 
who or where the unseen assassin might be he could 
not surmise. He was alone, free and unguarded; 
his six captors had been wiped out of existence in a 
few brief seconds, but he was helpless in the midst 
of an unknown wilderness with no boat, no means 
of reaching civilization, and each moment he ex- 
pected to feel a poisoned arrow bury itself in his 
own flesh. But to move was useless; he had seen 
how futile were the others’ attempts to flee, and he 
stood there motionless awaiting his fate. 

Suddenly from the silence of the forest came the 
clear, querulous cry of a goatsucker. Eric turned at 
the sound, and the next second uttered a glad shout 
of happiness and surprise. From the shadows of 
the trees stepped four naked Indians, their faces 
daubed with white and scarlet, long blowguns in 
their hands, and cases of poisoned arrows slung 
over their shoulders, but despite the war paint which 
hid his features, Eric recognized the leader as Her- 


manas. 


CHAPTER XII 
THE ESCAPE 

Upon the unknown upper reaches of the Coran- 
tyne River, Leggett sat in the stern of a canoe pro- 
pelled by four stalwart Bush Negroes. It was night 
and far ahead a lurid glow could be seen upon the 
sky. ‘ ‘That’s their signal fire all right/ ’ muttered 
the solitary passenger to himself. “They’ve got 
the kid safe enough and pretty close on time too. 
Lucky old Sarmacca knew that hidden lake and the 
way across to the Essequibo. Well, everything 
comes to him who waits. Reckon it’s my innings 
now and we’ll just about have that sneaking Marvin 
where we want him. Perhaps he won’t get down 
on his knees and come to terms when he knows his 
kid’s in our hands.” 

Presently the light began to fade, the glow left 
the sky and no beacon remained to guide the boat- 
men. Leggett cursed loudly and fluently. “Hang 
those lazy, sleepy niggers,” he exclaimed. “Just 
like ’em to go to sleep or get drunk and let the fire 
burn out.” 


175 


176 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


But in the starlight the river was easily followed, 
the camp would not be hard to find, and the men 
paddled onward through the darkness in silence. 
Suddenly one of them uttered a cry of surprise and 
swung the craft sharply to one side, for his keen 
eyes had detected an apparently empty canoe float- 
ing down the stream. An instant later they were 
alongside; the bowman reached forward to secure 
the painter and the next second tumbled backward 
with a cry of terror. Face down upon the bottom of 
the derelict was the form of a Bush Negro with a 
poisoned arrow between his shoulder blades. Leg- 
get reached into the drifting canoe and turned the 
dead man over. It was the body of Sarmacca, the 
chief of the gang which had kidnaped Eric, and 
with a curse Leggett let the corpse drop back, and 
casting loose the canoe, ordered his men to hurry on 
at all speed. Within ten minutes the glowing coals 
of dying fires were seen among the trees, and, run- 
ning the canoe upon the bank, Leggett leaped ashore, 
closely followed by his men. Stumbling over the 
bodies of two more of their fellows they dashed 
forward to the benabs, only to find the camp lifeless 
and deserted and to see the dead bodies of the three 
other men sprawled in awful, grotesque attitudes 
where they had fallen. Leggett was furious. He 


THE ESCAPE 


177 


had spent much money and a great deal of time 
and had undergone many hardships and not a little 
suffering to capture Eric and bring him to this re- 
mote and secret spot in the great unknown, unex- 
plored district between the headwaters of the Co- 
rantyne and Berbice Rivers. All had gone well ; the 
Bush Negroes sent forward from the wilds of Suri- 
nam had reached Ratura unseen ; had captured Eric 
and had returned with him in safety. Their fire had 
guided Leggett from his hidden camp on the Coran- 
tyne to the prearranged meeting place in the forest 
and he had felt confident that Eric was at last within 
his grasp and had looked forward to gloating over 
him with keen anticipation. 

And now, at the very moment of his triumph, the 
boy had escaped, his savage bushmen had been 
killed to a man, and among the dead was Sarmacca, 
the only man who knew the hidden channels through 
the savanna to the uncharted lake and hence to the 
upper Essequibo. 

How the rescue had been carried out, how his men 
had been trailed to this remote spot, Leggett could 
not guess, but there was no question as to who had 
been responsible for it. The poisoned blowgun darts 
told the story as plainly as words, and Leggett had 
not the slightest doubt that Hermanas had formed 


178 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


one of the party of Indians. It was the second time 
he had been balked by the Buck boy, and he swore 
vengeance, and vowed not to rest until he had de- 
stroyed the Indian. It was useless to attempt to 
track the rescue party through the forest at night, 
for he and his men could be picked off by unseen 
Indians without the least chance of resistance. Even 
as they stood there by the empty benab they were 
exposing themselves to the gravest danger and, real- 
izing this, Leggett hurried his crew back to the ca- 
noe, shoved the craft from land and paddled to a 
safe hiding place on the opposite shore of the stream. 

His very helplessness added to Leggett’s fury 
and he cursed and swore, abused his men in the vil- 
est words of their “talkee-talkee,” and strove to 
drown his discomfiture by copious draughts of raw 
rum. 

Had he known how little real harm had been done 
by his attempt to burn Ratura and drive off the la- 
borers, he would have gone absolutely mad. But he 
had received no word from the Boviander, to whom 
this work had been delegated, and he little dreamed 
that the fellow was at that moment lying helpless in 
his hut on Kurei Creek, whence he had fled after 
being riddled with bird shot from Hermanas’ gun. 
At last even Leggett’s stock of blasphemy was ex- 


THE ESCAPE 


179 


hausted, the mm calmed his anger somewhat, and 
he realized that, if anything was to be accomplished, 
he must act rationally and must plan for the future. 
He was a skilled woodsman and before taking charge 
of Batura had followed the calling of a Balata- 
bleeder, and knew much of this unexplored portion 
of Guiana which no other white man had ever pene- 
trated. That the Indians could have followed the 
Bush Negroes 7 canoe over the intricate watercourse 
and had approached the camp by boat, seemed im- 
probable. More likely, he thought, they had left 
their craft on some well-known creek or river and 
had cut across the divide through the bush to head 
off the kidnapers on their journey down the Coran- 
tyne, and his first idea was to follow their trail and 
strive to overtake them ere they gained their canoe. 
But this scheme he at once abandoned as he realized 
how utterly hopeless it was. By morning, no doubt, 
the Indians would be many miles away; he knew 
them too well to expect to come upon them unawares, 
and he shivered as he thought of the fate that would 
befall him if the Arekunas suspected he was on their 
trail, and should lay in wait for him and his men. 
More than all, if the Indians succeeded in reaching 
their boats in safety, he would be unable to follow ; 
and finally he decided that the only course left open 


180 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


was to make all speed possible by boat, trusting to 
luck and instinct to thread the canals through the 
savanna, and then, if chance favored, surprise the 
Indians in one of their camps upon the upper Es- 
sequibo. 

The only drawback to this plan was the possibility 
of going astray in the labyrinth of waterways that 
lay between the Corantyne and the rivers to the 
west, and he felt that if he succeeded in navigating 
these in safety his chances for overtaking Eric and 
his friends were excellent. Probably, he reasoned, 
the Indians knew nothing of the kidnapers ’ plans; 
they would never dream that he was close at hand 
and, having accomplished their purpose and rescued 
Eric, they would take their time in going down to 
Ratura and would fail to keep a sentry on watch 
for enemies in their rear. 

Somewhat cheered and encouraged by these 
thoughts Leggett aroused his men, and before day 
dawned was far above the fatal camp upon the knoll. 
Luck favored him, and by broken and bent branches, 
the remains of camps and the marks left by the pass- 
age of the other canoe through the savanna, his men 
followed the course taken by Eric’s captors and 
reached the lake and came out at last upon the upper 
reaches of the Essequibo in safety. 


THE ESCAPE 


181 


In the meantime Eric and his Areknna friends 
were making their way swiftly through the great 
forest. Behind them lay the camp with the dead 
Bush Negroes, over whose bodies the vultures were 
already fighting, and before them lay the headwa- 
ters of the rivers that led to Batura and home. 

No time had been lost in getting away, once Eric’s 
captors had been destroyed, for the light which had 
guided Hermanas and his friends to the Bush Ne- 
groes’ camp had aroused the suspicions of the Are- 
kunas, for they knew such a fire must be kindled for 
some purpose and surmised that it was a signal 
agreed upon to summon others to the camp. 

They had surprised the kidnapers in the night, 
had accounted for them all with their Wurali-tipped 
darts, but they had no desire to run the risk of fac- 
ing others, while encumbered with the white boy, 
and their one idea was to reach their canoe and dash 
down stream as rapidly as possible. Eric was an 
excellent walker, he had been hardened and tough- 
ened by his out-of-doors life, but every ounce of his 
strength, every atom of his energy and all his for- 
titude were required to enable him to keep pace with 
the Arekunas on this forced march through the wil- 
derness. It seemed as if his aching, tired legs could 
no longer support him, as if he must sink down by 


182 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


the way, as if he would succumb to utter exhaustion ; 
but still he kept doggedly on, spurred forward by 
the fear of those who might be close in the rear 
and ashamed to let Hermanas know of his weakness. 
All through the forest night they tramped on ; dawn 
found them still hurrying forward and, save for 
a brief stop at noon to eat, they continued on their 
weary journey until nightfall. 

Then camp was made and Eric threw himself 
upon the earth utterly exhausted, while the Indians 
rapidly prepared a meal and then extinguished the 
fires so that their lights might not betray the pres- 
ence of their camp. As they had trudged along Her- 
manas had given Eric a rough outline of the events 
which had transpired since he was captured and 
now that they were in camp for the night he related 
the whole story in detail. Tired and sleepy as Eric 
was, yet he became wide awake and forgot his weary 
limbs as he listened to the stirring tale of almost su- 
perhuman endurance and savage cunning told by 
the Indian boy in his quaint, matter-of-fact jargon. 

Hermanas, it seemed, had returned to Batura 
from his home early in the morning to find the house 
servants and the hands in an uproar. They had 
found the light still burning in the living room, the 
easy chair overturned, and Eric’s book lying upon 


THE ESCAPE 


183 


the floor, and further investigation showed that his 
bed had not been occupied. At first they feared 
some wild animal had attacked and carried him off, 
but there were no signs of blood, no tracks of beasts 
of prey, and instantly their simple minds had re- 
verted to the Obeah signs and they became convinced 
that Eric had been spirited away by supernatural 
means. Then Hermanas had discovered muddy 
footprints on the steps and floors; he had traced' 
them along the path to the creek and by their depth 
and their position had deduced that they had been 
made by two strangers who were carrying some 
heavy object. Nothing was missing save Eric him- 
self, and hurriedly calling his tribesmen to aid him, 
Hermanas had started forth in chase of the kidnap- 
ers. He reasoned that they would not go down 
river; the fact that they were barefooted assured 
him they were not Europeans, and at the close of the 
day he had discovered the remains of their first 
camp. 

Then, for the first time, Hermanas realized that 
the abductors of his chum were neither Indians nor 
common negroes, for at their camp he picked up a 
broken arrow which he recognized as belonging to 
the wild Bush Negroes of Surinam. 

The Indians were amazed at this discovery, for 


184 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


there were no Bush Negroes in British Guiana and 
they knew that those who had captured Eric must 
have come from the far-off Dutch boundary. Her- 
manas had heard vague rumors of a great inland 
lake from which both the Corantyne and Berbice 
rivers flowed, and he knew that waterways connected 
the Essequibo with the Berbice. Thus he reasoned 
that the raiders must have reached Batura by this 
route, and that they would return the same way. 

It would be hopeless to attempt to overtake the 
Bush Negroes by water, especially as the Arekunas 
knew nothing definite of the lake or the channels to 
and from it, and they decided upon a bold scheme. 
This was to cut across the country through the bush 
and thus reach the Corantyne ahead of the Bush Ne- 
groes, where they could lie in wait for them. But to 
attempt an overland trip at the point where the 
Bush Negroes had first camped was out of the ques- 
tion, — the distance was too great and the difficul- 
ties insurmountable, and the Arekunas determined 
to proceed as rapidly as possible to the headwaters 
of the Berbice and then tramp through the com- 
paratively narrow strip of forest to the Corantyne. 

No time was lost by hauling their craft up the 
rapids; instead they followed a portage around 
them, carrying their canoe on their shoulders. Then, 


THE ESCAPE 


185 


snatching their food as they traveled, they hurried 
forward day and night. Twice they hailed Indian 
camps and asked for news and while the inhabitants 
had seen nothing of the Bush Negroes or their boat, 
yet the fact that their dogs had barked during the 
nights assured Hermanas that the abductors had 
passed that way. At many of the falls there were 
no portages, and in such places the Arekunas had 
abandoned their boat, tramped around the rapids 
and had secured new canoes from Indian camps be- 
yond. 

Throughout the trip camp was never made, — the 
Indians taking turns sleeping in the canoe, and se- 
curing provisions at the camps they passed. At one 
spot they spied a wisp of smoke rising from the 
jungle and, investigating, found a camp so recently 
abandoned that the fire was still smoldering. At 
this discovery Hermanas felt assured that the Bush 
Negroes were but a short distance ahead and that 
it would be easy to head them off on the Corantyne. 
At last the flooded forest and the numerous creeks 
were reached, and not knowing which channel the 
fugitives had taken, the Arekunas abandoned the 
chase, and following a creek they knew, passed 
through to the divide where they started on their 
overland trip. Then one night they saw the lurid 


186 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


glare of the beacon fire and, hurrying forward, 
crept upon the unsuspecting camp, and, hiding in 
the trees, picked off the kidnapers with their poi- 
soned darts. 

Neither Hertoi&nas nor Eric doubted that Leggett 
or his fellow conspirators instigated the raid which 
had so nearly proved successful, for they knew that 
Davison had gone to Paramaribo and that Leggett 
had no doubt fled the country and probably knew 
where to find his friends. Moreover, it was incon- 
ceivable that the Bush Negroes should have made 
the amazing trip from Dutch Guiana into the heart 
of the British colony to capture Eric without the 
promise of great reward for, wild as they were, they 
were not hostile, and years before had abandoned 
the savage raids which had made them dreaded by 
whites and Indians alike. 

Convinced that this was the case and that Leggett 
himself, or one of his confederates, would follow 
close on their trail when Eric’s escape and the 
death of the negroes was discovered, the Arekunas 
maintained a strict watch throughout the night and 
at dawn again resumed the weary march through 
the forest. 

But the worst of the journey was over and before 
midday the edge of the jungle was reached and the 


THE ESCAPE 


187 


canoe was found undisturbed where it bad been bid- 
den. Once upon tbe river and speeding swiftly 
northward with the current tbe Indians felt com- 
paratively safe, but they took no chances and 
bugged tbe shores while ever maintaining a sharp 
lookout astern. There were no signs of pursuers, 
however; nothing disturbed their camp that night 
and the second day passed safely by. Little effort 
was required to make good time down the stream, 
for the current ran swiftly; they flashed through 
rapids at a speed which fairly took Eric’s breath 
away, and only when taking short cuts through the 
innumerable creeks were the men obliged to exert 
themselves at the paddles. The relief and rest were 
welcome, indeed, for the Arekunas had endured a 
terrific strain on their trip to rescue Eric, and every 
man was wearied to the point of utter collapse. At 
last the Essequibo was reached, the unknown wil- 
derness had been left behind, no pursuing boat had 
been sighted, and all felt that danger was over. 

Camp was made within the shelter of a small creek 
as usual that night, and at sunrise the canoe crept 
forth to resume its way towards Ratura,. Scarcely 
had the prow issued from the foliage that screened 
the creek when the bowman uttered a low cry of 
warning and alarm; within two hundred yards and 


188 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


rapidly approaching was a canoe, manned by four 
naked blacks, and in its stern sat Leggett ! 

To retreat within the creek was useless; a shout 
from the Bush Negroes told they had been seen. 
Their only hope of escape lay in speeding down the 
river, and without an instants hesitation the Are- 
kunas dug their paddles into the water and dashed 
away. 

Twice Leggett raised his gun to fire at the fleeing 
Indians, but the canoe was dancing crazily upon 
the river ; it was impossible to secure a steady aim 
and, confident that he would soon overtake the fugi- 
tives, he contented himself with waiting and cursing 
his crew to redoubled efforts. 

In speed the two boats were almost equal, for 
Leggett’s craft, though heavier than that of Her- 
manas, was handled by men who have no equals as 
river boatmen, while the superior knowledge of 
channels and currents possessed by the Indians was 
more than offset by the fact that they had under- 
gone great hardships and were in need of rest and 
sleep, whereas the Bush Negroes were fresh and in 
the pink of condition. 

It was a mad, wild race and much as Eric feared 
the result, yet he thrilled with the excitement, and, 
grasping a spare paddle, did his utmost to add a 


THE ESCAPE 


189 


little to the canoe’s speed. Now and again he 
glanced furtively hack and each time he realized 
that the space between the two craft was rapidly 
decreasing. 

Onward they swept; now they rounded a sharp 
bend, anon they dashed diagonally across the stream, 
the Indians taking advantage of every current, every 
eddy to aid them in their flight, while close in their 
wake hung the sharp-prowed Surinam canoe follow- 
ing their every turn and ever creeping closer and 
closer. 

Each second Eric expected to hear the roar of 
Leggett’s gun, to feel the sting of shot or ball, and 
then it dawned upon him that his pursuer could 
not fire without endangering his own men, — that as 
long as he was compelled to follow bow on, the 
Indians were safe from his gun, and that to swing 
his boat side to and fire at the fugitives would mean 
such a loss of time that there would be no hope of 
overtaking the Arekunas’ craft. 

But despite this Eric knew that the end must soon 
come, — even now the distance between the two ca- 
noes had been lessened by half, and in another half 
hour Leggett’s boat would be alongside and resist- 
ance would be hopeless. Even as these thoughts 
came to him, he heard the roar of falls ahead; the 


190 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


canoe leaped forth like a frightened bird at the drag 
of the current and an instant later they were tear- 
ing madly, furiously through the rapids, grazing 
jagged rocks, leaping over miniature cataracts, 
grinding over submerged reefs and escaping annihi- 
lation by a miracle, while all about the water was 
churned to foam that dashed high in air in showers 
of spray. The boat jumped, rocked, swung dizzily, 
whirled like a teetotum and water poured over the 
gunwale ; but unflinchingly, steadily the Indians 
kept on, the bowman perched aloft on the sweeping, 
swaying stem, and the men plying their paddles 
furiously to add to the boat’s terrific speed. 

Eric strove to glance back and in the seething tor- 
rent behind caught a fleeting glimpse of Leggett’s 
boat gleaming black amid the white water and leap- 
ing after them like a thing of life. 

The next instant they swept through a narrow 
channel between two islets, and Hermanas shouted 
to Eric to hold fast, that they were about to try 
a final and perilous expedient to escape. Hardly 
had he uttered his few terse words of warning when 
the frail canoe swept past the islands and into an 
area of smooth open water from which two channels 
led. Into the left of these dashed the Arekunas, and 
Eric’s heart seemed to cease beating as he saw that 


THE ESCAPE 


191 


the canoe was headed for the brink of a cataract. 
The roar of falling water filled his ears, clouds of 
spray rose above the spot where the river appeared 
to drop into space, and Eric knew that their chances 
of life after plunging over the falls were not one 
in ten thousand. 

But he felt perfect confidence in his Indian friends. 
If they could take the risk, so could he, and he 
gripped the sides of the boat, crouched low and with 
compressed lips awaited the sickening drop. 

Now the verge of the cataract was close at hand, 
the smooth green crest seemed almost within arm’s 
reach and then, with all their power, the men 
backed-water furiously, the bowman strained at his 
paddle, the canoe spun about as on a pivot, and it 
darted to one side so close to the verge that Eric 
could see the tumbling, churning waters and the 
jagged rocks full fifty feet below. Then, ere he real- 
ized what had occurred, the canoe was swept in 
safety to a quiet backwater to the right of the 
cataract. 

In the meantime, Leggett’s men, intent upon the 
chase, had not noticed their danger ’till too late; — 
they did not know the eddy which allowed them to 
check their mad rush as did the Indians, and as the 


192 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


Arekunas’ canoe reached the backwater the pursu- 
ers were swept onward to destruction. 

Although Hermanns’ ruse had succeeded, the fu- 
gitives did not escape unscathed, for as the Bush 
Negroes flung themselves from their canoe and 
strove in vain to save themselves by swimming, Leg- 
gett leveled his gun and fired. At the report the 
Arekuna bowman threw up his hands and stagger- 
ing back plunged lifeless into the river, while his 
murderer, with a shout of triumph and a curse, shot 
over the brink of the cataract and into the mael- 
strom beneath. 


CHAPTER Xni 


KENAIMA 

Leggett escaped death by a veritable miracle. His 
canoe shot far beyond the tumbling mass of water 
and landed right side np between the jagged rocks, 
and an instant later was swept nnhnrt down the 
river. But he had not escaped unseen, for the Are- 
kuna s had leaped ashore and hurrying to the brink 
of the cataract peered into the aybss to learn the 
fate of their pursuers. From the hunted the Indians 
had been instantly transformed to the hunters by the 
death of their fellow, for tribal law demanded that 
he must be avenged. If Leggett came to his end in 
the falls all was well — the Great Spirit had taken 
the matter from their hands — but if by chance he 
survived he must be followed, tracked down, and 
blood vengeance obtained in full. 

No court of justice would be resorted to ; no white 
men’s laws invoked. By the methods established 
through untold centuries of tribal custom, by tradi- 
tion sacred to their minds, there was but one way in 
193 


194 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


which, the debt could he paid — death at the hands of 
the Kenaima, or Avenger of Blood. 

And when, from the turmoil and the spray, the 
Arekunas saw the black form of the boat emerge 
with Leggett, white-faced, terror-stricken and half- 
stunned, crouching upon the bottom, a subdued cry 
of joy and exultation sprang from the Indians’ 
throats. 

For a moment the Surinam canoe gyrated wildly 
in dizzying circles within the grip of the whirlpools 
below the falls and then, seized by the current, it 
was swept clear and darted out of sight beyond a 
bend in the stream. 

Satisfied that Leggett still lived, the Arekunas re- 
turned to their boat, covered the body of their slain 
comrade with broad leaves, and, bearing their dead, 
paddled from the scene of the tragedy. By swift- 
flowing channels between the rocks the canoe slipped 
down the river and ever and anon, as the Arekunas 
talked together, Eric caught the word “Kenaima.” 
So great had been their danger, so swiftly had death 
come to both enemies and friends, that Eric had 
sat silent, dazed, awed and confounded. But now 
he spoke, enquiring of Hermanas if Leggett had 
been killed, expressing his sorrow at the death of 
the young bowman and complimenting the Indians 


KENAIMA 


195 


upon the success of their daring trick which had en- 
abled them to escape. 

When he learned that Leggett had survived, that 
he was unhurt and had been carried down the river 
ahead of them in his canoe, he felt that still more 
dangers must he faced and that Leggett would lie 
in wait for them, and his heart sank. 

But Hermanas laughed at his fears ; and in posi- 
tive tones declared: “Me tellum Leggett all same 
dead like so. Kenaima must for killum. No can 
makeum walk from Kenaima. Mebbe long time, 
mebbe same day, all same Kenaima catchum.” 

Eric did not understand. “What do you mean by 
Kenaima ? ’ 9 he asked. 

Hermanas spoke rapidly to his two companions 
and then addressing Eric, replied: “You good 
friend, all same Buckman, — all same brother. 
Me tellum how makeum Kenaima for killum. ’ ’ 
Then, as he plied his paddle and the canoe shot 
swiftly down the river, Hermanas told Eric of 
the Indians’ code of vengeance. He explained 
how blood must be paid by blood ; how Arekuna law 
demanded an eye for an eye, a life for a life, — aye 
more, for not only must he who slayed another be 
killed, but all his relations must also pay the penalty 


196 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


of his act. He related tales of whole families wiped 
out through this law and of tribes decimated by the 
feud of blood vengeance. In his crude, broken Eng- 
lish he described the Kenaima — the one selected to 
wreak vengeance for the slain — how there were va- 
rious kinds of Kenaimas, the commonest of which 
were the “Camudi Kenaima,’ ’ and the i 1 Tiger 
Kenaima,” and how they killed their victims; the 
first by strangling like his namesake, the great boa 
or camudi; the other by striking them down like a 
tiger by means of a short club of heavy wood. He 
dilated upon the impossibility of any one escap- 
ing from the Kenaima, and the patient, unceasing, 
unremitting determination with which the avenger 
trailed the doomed man for weeks, months, or years, 
if need be, until the execution was accomplished. 

“But don’t the Kenaimas get killed?” asked Eric, 
who had listened spellbound to the vivid dramatic 
description of the Indian. 

i 6 Mebbe some time make for killum, ’ ’ replied Her- 
manas. “Spose killum one Kenaima, other Kenai- 
ma make for catchum same way. Me tellum no good 
try for run from Kenaima; Kenaima he all same like 
Hori.” * 

“And a Kenaima will follow Leggett?” asked 

* A devil or supernatural creature. 


KENAIMA 


197 


Eric. “Ugh! I wouldn’t want to be in bis shoes. 
He’d better have been killed in the falls.” 

Hermanas nodded. “When gettum Buck camp, 
makeum Kenaima,” he remarked, and relapsed into 
silence. 

While the Indian had been talking, the canoe had 
been sweeping past wooded shores, but no sign of 
Leggett or his craft were seen, for the river forked 
just below the falls and the Arekunas had descended 
the right-hand stream, while Leggett had been car- 
ried to the left. 

By midday the Indians’ canoe had passed the rap- 
ids; it floated upon a broad, tranquil, lake-like ex- 
panse of river, and paddling rapidly across this the 
Arekunas entered a small creek. For several miles 
the stream wound through the forest and then a 
small clearing was reached with an Indian logi upon 
the bank. Here the canoe was run ashore and Her- 
manas and his two tribesmen uttered a long, mourn- 
ful, wailing cry. An instant later a score of Indians 
came hurrying towards the boat, and in excited tones 
and with many exclamations held converse with the 
new arrivals. Then, reverently lifting the body of 
the dead Indian from the bottom of the canoe, they 
moved rapidly up the trail, with Eric following in 
the rear. 


198 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


Every one was too busy, too excited, too angry 
to pay any attention to the white boy, and Eric 
sat alone in a hammock in a benab, watching the In- 
dians, who buzzed and swarmed about the hut where- 
in the body had been placed, like so many angry 
bees. 

At last order was restored, the people quieted 
down, and presently the dead Indian was carried 
forth, a deep grave was dug in the sand beyond the 
village; he was placed within and rapidly covered 
over, and while the women and girls went about 
preparing the evening meal the men gathered in a 
large benab. Hermanas now approached and ex- 
plained to Eric that a Kenaima was being selected, 
for, as the dead man had no male relatives to avenge 
him, the duty fell upon the tribe as a whole, and one 
member would be chosen as a Kenaima by drawing 
lots. 

Eric was most anxious to witness the ceremony, 
but Hermanas assured him this was impossible, that 
friendly as the Arekunas were towards him and 
much as they had risked to rescue him, no white 
man would be permitted to go near the council or to 
see the secret ceremonies that would follow. 

As Hermanas was too youthful to take part in 
the selection of the Kenaima, he remained with Eric, 



In one hand he grasped a bow and arrow, in the other a club of 

carved wood 














% 





* 







* 









































































r 































































































































































































KENAIMA 


199 


and presently the men in the neighboring benab rose 
and separated. One man remained, and Hermanas 
whispered that he was the Kenaima, that ere dark- 
ness fell he would set forth on his mission and that 
Leggett’s fate was sealed. Presently the Kenaima 
disappeared behind a screen of plaited palm leaves, 
and the two boys gave their attention to the food 
now spread before them. 

Suddenly a low, chanting song issued from the 
Kenaima ’s benab, and, glancing up, Eric beheld a 
strange and striking figure stepping from behind the 
palm-leaf screen. His bronze skin was daubed with 
white, black and scarlet; he wore a kirtle of long 
black powi feathers, a girdle of bright beads was 
about his waist, a necklet of teeth was draped across 
his chest and shoulders, strings decorated with tou- 
cans’ breasts hung down his back and upon his blue- 
black hair was a magnificent halo-like feather crown 
of blue and yellow feathers above which waved three 
long scarlet plumes from a macaw’s tail. In one 
hand he grasped a long bow and arrows, in the 
other he bore a short and heavy club of carved wood, 
and as he stalked majestically from his benab he 
chanted a low song in which the other Indians joined. 
The Kenaima reached the edge of the clearing, 
instantly the chant ceased and the Kenaima halted 


200 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


and faced the setting sun. Dropping his bow and 
arrows and club he drew his knife, scratched his 
arms until the blood flowed, and plucking a broad 
red leaf from a nearby plant, he rubbed it upon the 
wounds. Then, removing his feather crown and plac- 
ing it upon his bow and arrows, he seized his club, ut- 
tered the hair-raising scream of the jaguar and with 
a bound disappeared in the jungle. 

Eric had watched the ceremonies and dramatic de- 
parture of the Kenaima with the deepest interest 
and now, turning to Hermanas, he asked why the 
Kenaima had left his bow and arrows and crown 
and why he had cut his arms and had rubbed them 
with the leaves. 

The Indian boy explained that the leaf was a 
“beena” or charm to bring good luck and success 
in the undertaking; that, choosing the role of “Tiger 
Kenaima’ ’ rather than “Camudi Kenaima,’ ’ the 
man had carried the club as his sole weapon, and 
that by discarding the crown and bow and arrows he 
had signified that he left friends, family and home 
life behind, and abandoned all thought of the chase 
or of pleasures until his mission was accomplished 
and he returned to the spot from which he departed. 

Now that the Kenaima had gone the Indians re- 
sumed their usual ways, and the evening meal over, 


KENAIMA 


201 


they retired to their hammocks as if nothing un- 
usual had occurred. 

At daybreak the journey was resumed, an Indian 
from the village taking the place of the dead bow- 
man, and soon the canoe was once more speeding 
down the river towards Ratura. Day after day, they 
swept onwards, running rapids by the score, pad- 
dling through broad reaches of tranquil water be- 
tween the falls, and each hour drawing nearer to 
civilization. Many an Indian camp and village was 
passed and many stops were made to secure provi- 
sions or to hunt game. The Arekunas laughed and 
sang, they chanted refrains that marked time to the 
beat of their paddles and they gave no heed to the 
chances of meeting Leggett. At sundown they made 
camp; at dawn they started forth and one day was 
so like another that Eric lost all count of time. At 
last signs of civilization appeared. Canoes and cori- 
als were met or passed, a little launch was seen puf- 
fing up the river, cleared areas appeared along the 
banks and the scattered buildings of Rockstone were 
sighted on the opposite shore. 

Only one stretch of falls now remained and, in the 
hope of reaching Ratura the next morning, the In- 
dians decided to run the rapids at night instead of 
camping as usual. Eric had grown so accustomed 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


to the boat, had become so used to running rapids 
and had acquired such a supreme confidence in the 
Arekunas’ skill and knowledge that he felt no fear 
and made no protest when he learned of their plan. 
Lulled by the subdued roar of the rushing stream, 
rocked by the swaying boat and happy in the thought 
that the journey was almost done, he curled up in 
the canoe and ere half the rapids had been passed 
was sound asleep. 

He was aroused by a lusty shout from Hermanas 
and but half awake raised his head and glanced won- 
deringly about. It was still black dark, wooded 
shores rose close ahead and lights glimmered 
through the foliage. With a grating sound the canoe 
ran upon a sandy beach, there was a glad cry in a 
hearty voice that Eric knew well, and the next in- 
stant he was clasped in his father’s arms. 


CHAPTER XIV 


THE SECRET OF RATURA 

Eric was received like one risen from the dead. 
In fact no one save Mr. Marvin and Raj Sawh had 
expected ever to see him again, bnt neither his 
father nor the Baboo had abandoned hope ; both were 
convinced that Eric had been spirited away by Leg- 
gett or his hirelings to be held for ransom, and they 
both expected that a demand for the boy’s redemp- 
tion would be received soon. 

Upon Mr. Marvin’s return to Ratura he had been 
met with the tale of his son’s disappearance, and 
was almost prostrated by the news and blamed him- 
self for having left Eric alone on the estate. Then 
he was told of Hermanas’ departure with the three 
Arekunas and he felt somewhat relieved, for he 
knew that none had better chances of finding and 
rescuing Eric than the Indians. He at once sent 
word to the Bartica police and dispatched long let- 
ters to both Mr. Prince and Raj Sawh, acquainting 
them with the facts and asking them to enlist the 
203 


204 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


services of the Georgetown authorities in the 
search. 

Raj Sawh spared neither trouble nor expense, and 
Mr. Prince brought all his knowledge and influence 
into play to gain tidings of the missing boy. 

Rewards were offered, notices were posted 
throughout the colony and messages were sent far 
and near to every outlying police station between 
the Northwest and the Corantyne and from the Bra- 
zilian border to the coast. Over the cables word 
was flashed to Paramaribo, Venezuela and Brazil, 
and everywhere a strict watch was maintained on 
each boat that came or went upon the rivers. 

Then, having done all in his power, Mr. Marvin 
strove to be patient and to maintain a cheerful, 
hopeful demeanor while awaiting news of his son. 
But it was a fearful blow, and as the days dragged 
by he began to lose heart ; he brooded day and night 
over his terrible loss and only the timely arrival of 
the Baboo saved him from an utter nervous break- 
down. 

Raj Sawh was a fatalist and an optimist combined. 
He was a Hindu, to be sure, an idolater and a pagan ; 
but, despite all this, he possessed a sublime faith, a 
kindness of heart, a devotion to friends and an ut- 
ter unselfishness such as few Christians can boast. 


THE SECRET OF RATURA 


205 


His companionship was welcome indeed to Mr. Mar- 
vin in his time of trouble, and the Baboo’s unfailing 
cheerfulness, his firm conviction that Eric would re- 
turn safely, and his absolute faith in all turning out 
well did much to revive Mr. Marvin’s spirits. But 
as the days dragged into weeks and no tidings were 
received of either Eric, Hermanns or Leggett, even 
the Hindu began to be assailed by doubts. Then 
late one night, as the two men sat together in the 
gallery, they heard a glad shout from the river and 
hurrying to the landing found Hermanas and his 
Indians just running their canoe upon the beach. 
For an instant Mr. Marvin’s heart almost ceased 
beating and he steeled himself to hear the worst 
and then a ragged, unkempt form rose from the 
boat and with a hoarse cry of unutterable joy he 
rushed forward. His son had returned ! 

It was a triumphal procession that marched up 
the shaded pathway from the landing place to the 
bungalow. The news of Eric’s return had spread 
as if by magic, and coolie laborers, Indian wood- 
cutters, house servants and overseer swarmed from 
their quarters ; some carrying lanterns, others bear- 
ing flaring torches of resinous wood, and all shout- 
ing, laughing and crying by turns. They gathered 
about Eric and his rescuers as about conquering 


206 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


heroes and Eric, gazing at the circle of happy, de- 
lighted, dark faces, felt a lump rise in his throat 
at the joy these faithful folk showed at his return. 

Late as it was no one thought of going to bed ; the 
cook busied herself preparing a sumptuous meal, 
the grounds were illuminated by torches and lan- 
terns innumerable, and soon the deep boom of a 
Hindu drum echoed through the tropic night and the 
coolies celebrated the home coming by strange Orien- 
tal dances. 

To his father and the Baboo, Eric related the story 
of his adventures and his hearers listened spell- 
bound to the tale. 

“It's the most marvelous thing I’ve ever heard,” 
declared Mr. Marvin, as Eric finished his story. 
“The man must be absolutely mad to conceive of 
such a desperate scheme. It’s worthy of being 
ranked with the most daring exploits of the old Buc- 
caneers. ’ 9 

“The mostly regretted incident are Leggett his 
escape managed,” remarked Raj Sawh. “Truly 
fate must in reserve a more suitable dying for him 
have. But it matters not what of him becomes. For 
the matter at the time present we must most highly 
rejoice, that Sahib Eric his safe return has accom- 
plished. 9 9 


THE SECRET OF RATURA 


207 


“I wouldn’t have accomplished it without Her- 
manas’ help,” declared Eric. “If he hadn’t ar- 
rived when he did, I’d have been in Leggett’s hands 
now. What can we ever do to repay him for what 
he’s done, father?” 

“I have been considering that matter,” replied 
Mr. Marvin. “Do you think Hermanns would care 
to return to the United States with us? He could 
receive an education in an agricultural college, and 
with capital I would furnish him he could buy a 
place in Guiana and become prosperous. He’s too 
good a boy to spend the rest, of his life as a semi- 
civilized Indian.” 

“I don’t know how that would strike him,” said 
Eric. “ I ’ve no doubt he ’d love to see New Y ork, but 
I’m afraid he’d be terribly homesick for the jungle 
and the rivers. Do you really think he’d be better 
off by being educated?” 

Mr. Marvin smiled. 4 ‘ I really don’t know, ’ ’ he an- 
swered. “We can leave the matter to him — if he 
doesn’t accept I’ll give him a tract of land here 
and furnish him with the capital to work it. For 
the present the matter can rest. I’m afraid it will 
be some time before we are ready to leave our- 
selves.” 

“To Hermanas also in debt am I,” said the Baboo. 


208 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


“I an old man am, and much necessity do I find to 
obtain help which to depend upon I am able. Does 
the Buck-boy not to the great America go, employ- 
ment with me will he find. Also my mind tells me 
that foolishness it is for to own cattle so much. 
To him will I cattle give and ever in Raj Sawh will 
he a friend possess.’ ’ 

4 ‘Well, I guess Hermanas is fixed for life then,” 
said Eric, “but yon two forget that I’ve first claim 
on him. He’s been my chum ever since I’ve been 
here, bnt henceforth he’s to be my brother — even if 
he is a brown-skinned savage.” 

Mr. Marvin’s eyes twinkled. “Good for you, my 
boy!” he exclaimed. “I’m glad to see you’ve found 
a man’s color doesn’t affect his worth. We’ll make 
Hermanas your brother, in fact as well as name, if 
you wish. I can adopt him legally, which will no 
doubt safeguard his future greatly, provided he 
agrees. ’ ’ 

A hearty meal was now ready and Eric, who had 
eaten little save half-cooked game and cassava for 
many days, thought nothing had ever tasted half so 
good as the food set before him that night at Ratura. 
When he had finished it was almost dawn and Mr. 
Marvin and Raj Sawh both insisted that Eric must 
go to bed and secure a few hours ’ sleep, despite his 


THE SECRET OF RATURA 


209 


protests that he was not at all sleepy and felt per- 
fectly fresh and strong. 

‘ ‘ I would like to know why Leggett and his friends 
were so keen to get Ratura and tried to make so 
much trouble for us,” remarked Eric, as he sat talk- 
ing over events with his father and the Baboo on the 
morning after his return. 

1 6 Mr. Prince seemed to think there were rich min- 
eral deposits here,” said Mr. Marvin, “ but even that 
supposition would scarcely account for the men’s 
actions unless their idea was to drive me away, force 
the company to sell out, and thus secure the prop- 
erty for a mere song. Possibly they planned to 
work under the role of planters, and smuggle the 
gold from the country without paying the Govern- 
ment tax.” 

“I don’t believe there’s a speck of gold on the 
estate,” declared Eric. He proceeded to relate the 
story of his attempts to find gold with Hermanas’ 
help. 

‘ ‘ And you no sign of the gold found f ’ ’ asked the 
Hindu. “It may happen that in rockstone the gold 
hidden is. Did you the stones in the earth of an 
examination make f ’ ’ 

“No,” replied Eric, “we didn’t examine them, but 
I’m quite sure we didn’t run across any that had 


210 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


gold in them — that is, anything that looked like 
gold. I saved some of the prettiest pebbles. I’ll 
bring them out and let you look at them.” Rising 
he went to his room and presently returned, carry- 
ing his box of curios. 

“Here they are,” he said, picking out several 
rounded white and yellowish pebbles with a glassy 
semi-transparent appearance. 

Raj Sawh looked at them intently, turned them 
over in his palm and held them to the light and a 
curious expression of mingled amusement and sur- 
prise spread over his features. 

“No,” he remarked as he held out the pebbles for 
Mr. Marvin to examine. “Gold I see not in the 
stones, but to be expected it is not — they are of size 
insufficient and gold grows not in diamonds.” 

‘ 1 Diamonds ! ’ 9 cried Eric in amazement. 1 ‘ Surely 
you don’t mean, — Oh, come now, Mr. Sawh, you’re 
trying to jolly me.” 

“Of uttermost sureness, no,” declared the Baboo. 
“No more wonder do I now possess that Leggett 
should Ratura have the desire for. The stones dia- 
monds are and of value of many thousand dollars.” 

“Raj Sawh is undoubtedly right,” announced Mr. 
Marvin. “You have discovered the secret of Ra- 
tura.” 


THE SECRET OF RATURA 


211 


Eric could scarce believe bis senses and stood, 
open-mouthed with amazement, staring at the peb- 
bles in his father’s hand. 

“It doesn’t seem possible,” he gasped at last. 
“ Just imagine diamonds lying loose in my room all 
the time I’ve been away, and to think of just having 
to wash them out of the dirt. Hurrah! father, we 
must be millionaires. Oh, I must hurry and tell Her- 
manas. ’ ’ 

His father stopped him with a gesture. “Wait,” 
he said. “Say nothing at present. There are cer- 
tain legal formalities to be attended to, and to 
spread the report of your amazing find would do a 
great deal of harm. ’ ’ 

“I suppose you’re right,” admitted Eric reluc- 
tantly, “but I would love to tell Hermanas. How 
much are these worth, Mr. Sawh?” 

The Hindu examined the diamonds carefully, 
weighed them in his fingers and finally announced 
that he could not tell their exact value as he had no 
scales and the color of the stones varied; but that 
none of them were worth less than two hundred dol- 
lars and many were worth more. 

1 1 Whew ! ’ ’ exclaimed Eric. 1 1 At that rate I ’ve al- 
most enough right here to have paid that note and 
there’s plenty more in the place where we found 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


212 

these. No wonder Leggett and Davison wanted to 
get the estate . 7 9 

The conversation then turned to the legal steps to 
be taken in order to obtain a clear title to the 
diamond rights on the estate and the Baboo ex- 
plained in detail just what must be done. As Mr. 
Marvin would not listen to leaving Eric alone on the 
estate again, and as all agreed that the formalities 
must be complied with immediately, it was decided 
that both Eric and his father should accompany Raj 

Sawh when he returned to town the following day. 
******* 

At the very hour when Eric was learning of his 
amazing discovery, Leggett was in a terrible plight. 

For a few moments after he had shot over the falls 
he had been too dazed to think of guiding his canoe 
and sat clutching at the sides, unable to believe that 
he had actually survived the terrible plunge. 

Then realization came to him and sitting up he 
seized a paddle and guided his craft down the stream. 
But while his life had been spared, he was in a most 
precarious position. His companions had all per- 
ished ; he was alone in the wilderness and to seek his 
fellow men meant arrest and imprisonment. To at- 
tempt to force his way up the rapids and back to 
the Corantyne was impossible. He must either con- 


THE SECRET OF RATURA 


tinue down the river or take to the hush and strive 
to win his way to some safe refuge beyond the boun- 
daries, a task he knew to be well-nigh impossible. 
Luckily he still had his gun and a limited amount 
of ammunition and he would not starve for the pres- 
ent. Then he realized that he was desperately hun- 
gry, and running his canoe ashore he started into 
the jungle in search of game. 

There were plenty of birds about, he saw several 
agoutis and even a labba, but he was seeking larger 
game, something to last him several days, and he 
wasted no shots on smaller creatures. At the end 
of an hour ’s hunt he secured a peccary and, return- 
ing to his canoe, cooked and ate a hearty meal of 
broiled wild pork. The balance of the carcass he 
suspended above a smoky fire to cure or “bucan” 
after the method of the Indians and, while this was 
taking place, threw himself upon a bed of palm 
leaves to rest. 

With all his faults, Leggett had a supreme con- 
fidence in himself and he at once commenced plan- 
ning for the future. If he could win his way east- 
ward to the Corantyne, all would be well, and he had 
little doubt that in time he could discover a water- 
way that connected the various rivers. But this 
would mean long delays and great hardships, unless 


214 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


lie secured men to act as boat bands. He doubted 
if the Indians in these upper districts knew of him 
or his deeds, save those along the Essequibo whom 
Eric or his Indian friends might have met. If he 
could avoid being seen until the Berbice was reached 
he could doubtless secure boat hands or, failing in 
this, could dispatch an Indian or a Boviander with 
a message to Davison or his friends in Surinam. 

Despite the ill luck which had followed him, he 
did not despair of yet accomplishing his purpose. 
The reward was enormous, the diamond bed at Ba- 
tura was wonderfully rich, and no one but he and 
his two most trusted friends dreamed that the stones 
existed. If they could only drive Mr. Marvin and 
the company from the colony, and secure control of 
the estate, their fortunes were made. Under the 
guise of cultivators they could surreptitiously dig 
the diamonds at night and, embedded in cakes of rub- 
ber, the stones could be smuggled from the colony 
without paying the tax imposed by the government 
and without complying with the law which pro- 
hibited the exportation of diamonds to any country 
other than England. 

Despite his confidence in ultimately succeeding in 
his plans, he was still furious whenever he thought 
of Eric’s escape and the manner in which the In- 


THE SECRET OF RATURA 


215 


dians had outwitted and had all but destroyed him, 
and he cursed Hermanas and the Arekunas as vo- 
ciferously as though they had been present to hear 
him. But he had squared accounts with one Buck 
at any rate; he had seen the man plunge forward at 
the report of his gun, and this knowledge did much 
to cheer him. Little did he dream, while he sat there 
waiting for his meat to cure, that only a few miles 
distant, plans were already being made to avenge 
his victim. 

At last the pork was smoked to Leggett’s satisfac- 
tion, and as the afternoon was still young he decided 
to continue down stream before camping for the 
night. 

For several days he proceeded down the river, 
camping wherever he found a suitably dry spot, kill- 
ing game for food and maintaining a keen watch for 
waterways which might lead to the eastern rivers. 

Then one morning he reached the mouth of a 
large creek which seemed to promise well, and aban- 
doning the main river he paddled into the smaller 
stream. 

His supply of meat was getting low and game 
seemed very scarce; but early in the afternoon of 
the next day he spied a large water-haas, which he 
secured by a lucky shot. 


216 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


Had lie but known that the report of his gun served 
to betray his presence to a grim figure paddling 
down a neighboring creek, the capybara would have 
been left in peace and Leggett might have met a 
very different fate. 

But such a thought never crossed his mind, and, 
reaching a good spot to camp, Leggett drew his ca- 
noe ashore, built a large fire and prepared to spend 
the night. He dined well, hung the rest of the meat 
to smoke and lounged beside the fire, but as darkness 
came on he commenced to feel uneasy and nervous. 
Never in his life had he been troubled by nerves ; he 
had never acknowledged that he was afraid of man 
or beast, and he scoffed at the supernatural. But 
here in the solitude of the jungle a vague, unreason- 
ing fear crept over him. 

In vain he tried to shake it off, to laugh at his 
sensations, to reason with himself. Then it occurred 
to him that he had been without liquor for several 
days, that he had undergone an experience which 
would have unstrung most men, and that no 
doubt his unusual nervousness was due to these 
causes. 

Relieved somewhat by these thoughts he threw 
himself down to sleep, but each time he dozed he 
awoke with a start to find himself staring into the 


THE SECRET OF RATURA 


217 


blackness of the forest, listening with straining ears 
and trembling with nameless dread. 

He cursed himself for his foolishness, wondered if 
by any chance he had an attack of fever, and then, 
finding sleep impossible, piled fuel on the dying fire 
and, crouching beside it with gun within reach, he 
spent the hours till dawn in abject misery. 

With the coming of daylight much of his nervous- 
ness left him and, having eaten, he again pushed his 
boat into the stream and paddled onward through 
the forest. But presently, the same unaccountable, 
tingling sensations again assailed him; he found 
himself glancing furtively to right and left, turning 
often to look behind and unconsciously hurrying 
forward and paddling furiously. His senses told 
him nothing more dangerous than the ordinary wild 
beasts could be near; he knew that he had nothing 
to fear from them, and yet somehow he could not 
rid himself of the idea that he was being watched, 
that some danger lurked near, that something was 
following him. 

So strong did this feeling become that twice he 
ran his canoe into a hiding place among the foliage 
and waited with cocked gun for his pursuers to ap- 
pear. But he saw nothing, no unusual sight nor 


818 JUNGLE CHUMS 

sound broke the silence of the wilderness and he 
again continued on his way. 

By mid-afternoon he was trembling, shaking with 
terror of an intangible something, and when the cry 
of a jaguar came from the forest in his rear, he 
shrieked aloud with fright. The sound of his own 
voice somewhat calmed him, however, and he even 
felt relieved at the tiger *s scream, for here at least 
was something real, and to keep up his courage he 
commenced to shout and sing. 

He longed to escape from the creek — it seemed in- 
terminably long, and each moment he expected to 
see open water ahead and to find himself upon a 
river, but the sinking sun found him still upon the 
forest creek and he realized that he must pass an- 
other awful night in the jungle. 

There was a tiny island in the stream and here he 
made his camp, first examining every inch of the 
ground, every clump of brush and each tree to as- 
sure himself that nothing was there to disturb him 
or to cause him fear. Despite all this he was still 
haunted by the feeling that danger menaced him, 
that watchful eyes were peering at him from the 
surrounding forest and, when an unsuspecting owl 
winged softly to a branch above his head and uttered 
its mournful call, Leggett was so startled that he 


THE SECRET OF RATURA 


219 


involuntarily discharged both barrels of his gun. 
As if in answer to the roar of the explosion, the 
jaguar’s scream reverberated through the forest, 
seemingly from close at hand. 

Swearing at his carelessness, Leggett reloaded his 
gun, for he now had no ammunition to waste, and at 
last, too weary and overwrought to remain awake, 
he dropped into a fitful, troubled sleep. Several 
times the jaguar’s cry disturbed him, but he was 
only semi-conscious of the sound, and not until the 
sunlight streamed through the tops of the trees did 
he really awake. 

He felt much better — a great deal of his nervous- 
ness was gone, and he ate a hearty breakfast. Then, 
rising, he started towards the canoe, but the next 
moment sprang back, trembling and shaking at what 
had met his eyes. Upon the soft brown earth were 
the imprints of human feet! Leggett was dum- 
founded, paralyzed with nameless terror. The night 
before the earth had been smooth, unmarked by foot- 
print of man or beast, and now everywhere about 
his camping place were the impressions of naked 
feet forming a perfect circle around the spot where 
he had slept. 

Who could have been there during the night? No 
boat, no canoe, not even a woodskin, was drawn 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


820 

upon the shores ; there was no sign of campfire other 
than his own, and as he searched more closely his 
terror increased, for no trail led downward to the 
only landing place upon the islet. Summoning every 
atom of his self-control, Leggett tried to reason it 
out, but it was inexplicable, incomprehensible. No 
human being could have landed and approached his 
camp without leaving a trail upon the soft earth, for 
fully fifty feet of bare muddy ground lay between 
the little knoll on which he had camped, and the only 
spot on which a boat could land. And yet the fact 
remained that it had been done, that some man had 
been there, had walked, not once but many times, 
about his sleeping place, and had disappeared as 
mysteriously as he came. 

But was it a human being after all? He called to 
mind weird tales he had heard of strange, half -hu- 
man beings who inhabited the forests ; tales told by 
the half-breed balata gatherers around many a 
camp fire, stories of Jumbies, Didoes, and Wild men. 
Perhaps, after all, he thought, some of these tales 
might be true — perhaps such beings did dwell in the 
jungle and tracked down and destroyed the solitary 
wanderer. Such a thing might account for his 
fears, for the instinctive feeling that he was being 
followed, and each moment, as his mind dwelt upon 


THE SECRET OF RATURA Ml 

Hie matter, his terror increased by leaps and 
bounds. 

He had never been superstitious, but now that su- 
perstition had gripped him, fear of the supernatural 
drove every atom of reason from his brain. He 
strove to recall each detail of the stories he had 
heard, what the weird beings were like, how they 
sought and killed their victims, by what signs they 
were known and then, amid the confused jumble of 
memories that filled his terrorized mind, came the 
thought of the Kenaima. 

Instantly the vague idea became a certainty; he 
had killed an Indian and the dreaded avenger of 
the blood was on his trail. Fool that he was not to 
have thought of it before. Yes, that was it beyond 
a shadow of a doubt ; he had been followed, unseen 
eyes had watched him, deadly peril lurked in every 
tree, every bush, every thicket; even now the Ke- 
naima might be ready to strike ; and, dashing to his 
canoe, he leaped in, shoved it from shore, and pad- 
died furiously away from the accursed spot. As he 
went the scream of the jaguar sounded from the 
jungle behind him, and at the sound the blood seemed 
to freeze within his veins, cold chills ran up and 
down his back, and like a madman he strove to make 
better speed, for now he knew the wailing cry issued 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


from no creature’s throat, but was the mocking yell 
of triumph that sealed his doom, — the Tiger Ke- 
naima was on his trail ! 

With a white man’s contempt for the brown- 
skinned primitive men with which he had been 
thrown in contact, Leggett had never paid any par- 
ticular heed to the beliefs or customs of the In- 
dians. Only by chance had he ever heard of the Ke- 
naima, and he knew nothing whatever about the 
methods, the character or the real identity of the 
blood avengers. Surrounding it with the mystery 
and imagery of which the aboriginal mind is so 
fond, the Indians always spoke of the Kenaima as a 
semi-supernatural being; and, while they knew full 
well that any one of their number might be called 
upon to fulfill the role of the avenger, and while 
every man owned a Kenaima Club, yet they firmly 
believed that, through the ceremonies enacted when 
a Kenaima set forth on his mission, he became en- 
dowed with superhuman powers and acquired some- 
thing of the real character of the serpent or the 
jaguar, as the case might be. 

Thus to Leggett the Kenaima had been repre- 
sented as a mysterious being, a man who assumed 
the form of the camudi or the tiger at will, an em- 
bodied spirit of vengeance who was invulnerable and 


THE SECRET OF RATURA 


223 


immortal, and against whom no human power and 
no weapon could avail. 

At the time Leggett had laughed in the face of him 
who told the tale, had cursed him for a superstitious, 
heathen savage, had declared such stories utter bosh 
and nonsense, and then had dismissed it from his 
thoughts. 

But now, alone in the forest upon this dark and 
dismal creek, knowing himself a murderer and ter- 
rorized with his fear of the unknown, haunted by 
the mysterious footsteps about his camp, and with 
the cry of the jaguar ringing in his ears, the story 
of the Kenaima came hack to him in its every de- 
tail. 

Onward he sped; his canoe grated upon tacuhas, 
it plunged through overhanging vines and drooping 
limbs. The poisonous spines of palms and tree- 
ferns pierced his shoulders and his hands, the great 
recurved hooks of armed creepers raked the hat 
from his head and tore his clothes to ribbons, and 
razor-grass left bleeding welts across forehead and 
cheeks. 

But he never paused; unheeding pain, oblivious 
to all save the terror of the unknown, awful thing 
behind him, he dashed on; his one thought to win 
his way from the terrible forest, his one hope that 


22\ 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


by some miracle he might escape from the Kenaima. 

No longer was he a rational being ; his flesh was 
insensible to pain, his mind a blank, save for the 
mortal terror that consumed him. He was scarce 
more than an automaton driven onward by the re- 
lentless power of fear. 

Suddenly through the foliage ahead the maddened 
man saw the silvery glint of sunlit water. He 
shouted deliriously ; the river was ahead, the forest 
would soon be left behind, and recklessly he drove 
his craft towards his goal. Then, just as the mouth 
of the creek was gained, when another stroke of his 
paddle would have carried him free, his canoe struck 
full upon a submerged log, the craft careened, water 
poured over the gunwale, and in the twinkling of an 
eye Leggett was struggling in the river. 

The sudden shock cleared his brain, the cool water 
soothed his aching head and lacerated skin; it 
was wonderfully pleasant, marvelously refreshing. 
From the soft blue sky the sun shone bright and 
warm, and free from the depressing effect of the 
dark forest his insane terror in a measure left him 
and he swam slowly towards the capsized canoe 
which drifted just beyond. 

Suddenly he uttered a piercing howl of pain, and, 
turning, struck frantically for the shore, for the ter- 


THE SECRET OF RATURA 225 


rible perai fish— savage as wolves and attracted by 
the scent of blood from Leggett’s thorn-torn hands 
—were swarming about him and snapping at his 
flesh with knife-like jaws. Instantly he realized that 
here he faced a death more awful than that he had 
feared from the Kenaima. In a few brief moments 
he would be devoured alive — the living, palpitating 
flesh stripped from his bones, and madly he strove 
to gain the land. 

Weakly, he crawled upon the bank at last, and 
bleeding from a score of wounds, he drew himself 
up among the trees. Human flesh and endurance 
could stand no more ; he was beaten, trapped, done. 
Either within the water or upon the land lay cer- 
tain death; there was no escape, and little caring 
what happened, he threw his suffering, wearied body 
upon the ground to await his fate. 

As he sank back among the dank leaves a mottled, 
root-like object writhed to one side; swiftly it coiled 
and a flat, diamond-shaped head darted forward 
with the speed of light. But Leggett’s eyes were 
closed, his dulled ears failed to hear the slight rustle 
or the angry hiss ; his swollen, lacerated arms scarce 
twitched at the sharp prick of the fangs. 

Rapidly an overpowering drowsiness possessed 
him; the fear of the Kenaima fled from his mind, 


226 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


and peacefully, painlessly lie drifted into everlast- 
ing sleep. 

As the sinking sun gilded the tranquil surface of 
the Essequibo a strange figure crept from the forest 
near the mouth of the creek. About its bronze 
shoulders hung a necklet of tigers’ teeth; about its 
middle was a girdle of black feathers, and in one 
hand it grasped a short, carved club of peculiar 
form. Stealthily as a jaguar it stole forward ; black, 
piercing eyes glancing first here, now there, until 
among the tangled shrubbery it spied a sleeping 
man. 

A grim smile of satisfaction flitted across the fig- 
ure’s face and, inch by inch, it drew itself towards 
the unconscious white man. Without a sound it 
reached his side, and, crouching by a clump of coarse 
lilies, it lifted the deadly club to strike. 

But the blow never fell. Slowly the upraised arm 
was lowered; silently as it had come the sinister 
form crept away and disappeared. 

Coiled upon Leggett’s breast was a great Bush- 
master; upon the lifeless arms were the marks of 
its deadly fangs. The Kenaima had arrived too 
late. 



Stealthily as a jaguar the Kenaima crept with upraised club 




f 




























































CHAPTER XV 


A DISAPPOINTING DISCOVERY 

The news of Eric’s safe return spread rapidly 
and when, in company with his father, Raj Sawh and 
Hermanas, he reached Georgetown, he found himself 
the cynosure of all eyes. Every one, from the rag- 
ged “centipede” * hoys to the highest officials, was 
talking about him; wherever he went he was show- 
ered with congratulations and all were anxious to 
hear the true story of his adventures. 

Before he was fairly ashore reporters from the 
Argosy and the Chronicle were clamoring for inter- 
views, and a motley crowd constantly lined the street 
before the Baboo’s house, waiting to catch a glimpse 
of the American boy who had been kidnaped by 
Bush Negroes and the Buckboy who had rescued 
him. 

But acting on his father’s advice Eric would an- 
swer no questions and would give no details of his 
experiences until a conference had been held with 

•Street gamins. 


227 


3&8 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


Mr. Prince, and as soon as possible the party hur- 
ried to the attorney’s office. 

4 4 It’s a marvelous story,” declared Mr. Prince. 
‘ 4 Conclusive evidence that truth is stranger than 
fiction; but you appear to have won out as com- 
pletely as you did in the matter of the Van Pelt 
note. I scarcely think there will be complications, 
but technically your Indian friends have committed 
murder. ’ 9 

Eric gasped. “Committed murder?” he cried. 
“Surely the law can’t call it murder to kill those 
savages to save me. Why I never dreamed of such 
a thing.” 

Mr. Prince smiled. “You need not fear,” he re- 
plied. “As I understand it there were no witnesses ; 
the law provides that no man can be compelled to 
testify against himself and even the * corpus de- 
lecti’ is wanting — in other words, the bodies have 
not been found and probably never will be. Hence 
we have only your word for the fact that the 
1 Juockes’ * were ever killed. Of course the bodies of 
those who went over the falls may be recovered, al- 
though it’s doubtful, as the perais will devour them; 
but their death cannot be laid to you. There is a re- 
mote possibility that the Dutch officials may demand 

* The creole Dutch name for the Bush Negroes. 


A DISAPPOINTING DISCOVERY 229 

an explanation, provided Leggett returns to Suri- 
nam and tells the story, which is inconceivable, but a 
few Bush Negroes more or less are of little conse- 
quence and they came to their end while committing 
a felony. No ; you need not worry over any charge 
being brought.” 

“ Well, I’m glad of that,” declared Eric, “but how 
about the Kenaima; will he he arrested if he kills 
Leggett?” 

‘ ‘ If some one saw the deed and brought a charge 
the man would unquestionably be prosecuted,” re- 
plied the solicitor; “hut you may rest assured that 
there will he no witness of the execution if the Ke- 
naima succeeds in his mission. Of course every one 
here has heard tales of the ‘ avengers of the blood,’ 
hut I doubt if any one, save the Indians, has definite, 
unassailable evidence that such a thing exists; cer- 
tainly there is no legal recognizance of the Kenaima, 
and from what I have heard he never reports what 
he does and no questions are asked by his tribesmen. 
Leggett will probably drop out of sight forever and 
no living man, save the Kenaima, will have definite 
knowledge of how he met his end. I don’t think we 
need waste pity on him.” 

The matter of the diamonds and of Hermanas’ 
future was then taken up and discussed, and Mr. 


230 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


Prince agreed to attend to the legal formalities nec- 
essary to secure a title to the diamond beds at once. 

“I think your proposal to adopt the Indian lad a 
very wise one,” he announced when Mr. Marvin told 
of his intentions to provide for Hermanas’ future. 

‘ 4 There are no difficulties involved,” continued Mr. 
Prince. “Of course, the Indians are wards of the 
government and both the official permission and the 
consent of the boy’s father must be obtained. He 
will be much better off, for if you carry out your ex- 
pressed intention of making him a half-owner of the 
diamonds, he will come into quite a large sum of 
money. In the hands of the Indians this would 
soon be lost, but with you as the boy’s legal guardian 
his interests will be safeguarded. He is certainly 
to be congratulated upon his good fortune, but I 
confess he richly deserves it.” 

Mr. Marvin had many friends and acquaintances 
in Georgetown and when, everything having been 
arranged with Mr. Prince, the party returned to the 
Baboo’s house, they found an invitation to a dinner 
to be given in honor of Eric’s return. 

The banquet was an enjoyable and elaborate af- 
fair; the military band played, masses of gorgeous 
flowers covered the tables and the Union Jack and 
Stars and Stripes were draped above Eric’s chair. 


A DISAPPOINTING DISCOVERY 


231 


The part that Hermanas and Raj Sawh had 
played in the Marvin fortunes had been duly chron- 
icled in the two newspapers, and on top of all had 
come the still more amazing news of the diamond 
discovery, for application to the government having 
been duly made and published, the secret of Ratura 
had become public property. 

Thus the old Baboo suddenly found himself trans- 
formed from an obscure, if well-to-do, Hindu to a 
famous character, while the shy barefooted Indian 
lad became the son of a wealthy American, the 
brother of the most-talked-of person in the colony 
and half-owner of what promised to be the richest 
diamond field in Guiana. 

Wealth and fame are wonderful powers for de- 
stroying prejudice and social barriers, and thus the 
Baboo and the Buck boy found that the color of 
their skins had been forgotten and that many, who 
had once been oblivious to their existence, now 
sought to win their friendship. 

To Raj Sawh, keen student of human nature that 
he was, this sudden change of attitude was highly 
amusing, and while he was courteous to all, in his 
heart he despised the fawning hypocrites for what 
they were. Hermanas, on the other hand, looked 
upon the whites from quite a different point of view. 


232 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


He possessed the American aborigine’s pride of 
race and had none of the negro’s inherited feeling 
of inferiority to the white man. To his mind cer- 
tain respect was due the Europeans as owners of the 
land and the ruling power, but he knew no envy of 
their white skins, no shame of his ancestry or his 
color, and he realized that in many ways he was the 
superior of the white man. To Mr. Marvin he paid 
homage as Eric’s father, and for love of his white 
chum he would gladly have laid down his life if 
necessary; but from all others he held aloof — shy, 
suspicious and reticent, an independent son of the 
forest and rightful heir to the land. 

At first he had demurred somewhat at donning 
shoes or hat, but good clothes appealed to him and 
when Eric explained that such incumbrances were 
only for town use, he readily agreed. Clad in well- 
made garments Hermanas appeared far more like 
a Japanese than an Indian, and Eric could scarce be- 
lieve he was the same being who tracked down and 
slew the Bush Negroes in the far-off forests of the 
interior. 

Pleasant as their stay was made in Georgetown, 
the boys longed to get back to Ratura, to paddle 
on the dark, mysterious creeks, to hunt in the jungle 
and, more than all else, to wrest a fortune in dia- 


A DISAPPOINTING DISCOVERY 233 

monds from the sand. Mr. Marvin was also anxious 
to return to the estate, and as soon as the various 
business and legal matters had been settled, the 
three bid farewell to their many friends in the cap- 
ital and boarded the steamer for Bartica. Every- 
thing was going well at Ratura when they arrived, 
although the overseer reported that he had been 
hard put to keep trespassers in search of diamond 
claims from the estate. Even as it was, several 
prospectors had established themselves upon the 
property in isolated localities, and Theophilus stated 
that claims had been taken up all over the surround- 
ing country. 

But none were successful in their search ; the only 
diamonds in the vicinity appeared to be those on 
Ratura, and one by one the prospectors gave up 
and went their way, convinced that further efforts 
were hopeless. 

As soon as they reached Ratura, Eric and Her- 
manas set diligently to work at the spot where the 
diamonds had been found, and their excitement ran 
high as the sand was washed and the coarse gravel 
and pebbles were exposed to view in their pans. At 
first their efforts were richly rewarded; stones of 
various sizes were secured, and in fancy the boys 
saw vast fortunes within their grasp. Then their 


234 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


luck turned; no diamond large or small could be dis- 
covered, and even when Mr. Marvin and the over- 
seer joined in the search the result was the same. 
Bushels of sand were sifted and washed, and a gang 
of laborers were put to work digging, but despite 
every attempt and although tons of material were 
gone over, not another stone was found. 

“I guess we’ve found them all,” declared Eric as, 
convinced that further work was a waste of time, the 
mining was abandoned. 

“It certainly appears so,” agreed his father ,“but 
it’s very strange. From what I can learn there 
should be more diamonds, for the same quality of 
gravel and sand exists wherever we have searched. 
I understand there is a geologist in Georgetown who 
has had practical experience in diamond fields. It 
might be well worth while to have him come here and 
give us his opinion as an expert.” 

But there was no necessity of sending for the ge- 
ologist ; he had heard of the Batura diamonds, and, 
curious to see the deposit, wrote to Mr. Marvin re- 
questing permission to visit him. 

A few days later he arrived and, after listening 
with interest to the story of the boys’ discovery and 
the sudden exhaustion of the bed, he made a careful 
examination of the locality. 


A DISAPPOINTING DISCOVERY 


235 


Eric watched him expectantly as he tested the 
sand, broke open bits of rock with his hammer and 
squinted through his lens at the various specimens 
he picked up. 

1 c Is this the only spot where you found the dia- 
monds ?” he enquired at last. 

Eric assured him that it was and waited anxiously 
for the other’s decision. 

For a moment the geologist remained silent, look- 
ing thoughtfully at the pit and the piles of sand. 
Then he laughed. “You are very lucky to have 
found these diamonds,” he said, “but you discov- 
ered a treasure trove — not a diamond mine. There 
are no diamonds found here naturally and there 
never were; there’s not the least indication of dia- 
mantiferous gravel nor of auriferous sand.” 

“Why, what — what do you mean?” stammered 
Eric. “I don’t understand; how could we find dia- 
monds if they’re not found here?” 

“I don’t wonder you are puzzled,” replied the 
other. “I was rather at a loss myself at first. But 
the explanation is simple. Your diamonds were no 
doubt concealed here long ago— very likely before 
the land was cultivated— by some one who had stolen 
them or who had taken them from an unlicensed 
claim. There are countless ways to account for their 


JUNGLE CHUMS 


having been bidden, and the owner may have died ; 
he may have been arrested, or he may have met with 
accident or death which prevented him from return- 
ing to secure his property/ ’ 

“But Leggett and Davison must have thought 
there was a diamond mine here. How do you ac- 
count for that?” objected Eric. 

“They never investigated,’ ’ replied the geologist. 
“They may have discovered the stones; they prob- 
ably secured some and managed to dispose of them. 
But they were afraid to take out many, and trusted 
to getting them at their leisure, when the place was 
in their hands. To have made an extended search 
would have divulged their secret. They were fooled 
just as you have been.” 

That Eric was disappointed cannot be denied, but 
he took the matter philosophically. “Well, I don’t 
suppose we ought to complain,” he said. “We’ve 
made about ten thousand dollars as it is and that’s 
some find for a couple of boys.” 

“And you really have Leggett and Davison to 
thank for your good fortune,” remarked Mr. Marvin. 

“Not forgetting Raj Sawh,” Eric reminded him, 
and added: “But most of all my Jungle Chum.” 


THE END 














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